Furiosa A Mad Max Saga review: spectacular action prequel is the wildest thrill ride of the year

Visceral, engulfing, outrageous – Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, from visionary director George Miller, is the very definition of high octane cinema.

More ambitious than Mad Max: Fury Road, it provides an origin story for Furiosa, recounting her evolution from young innocent in the radioactive wasteland (played by Alyla Browne) to a metal-armed, bona fide badass (Anya Taylor-Joy).

We’re back in post apocalyptic Australia, where tribalism and the cult of gas and George Barris holds sway. While ostensibly a prequel, there are several neat throwbacks to Mad Max: Fury Road, so pay attention.

What unfolds is spectacular. The frenetic choreography of crashing motorbikes, hot rods and custom rigs is just astonishing…

Epic prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road

The story, divided into chapters, opens with a young Furiosa snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers, an idyllic wellspring, by biker bandits who deliver her to Horde leader, the Warlord Dementus, played by Chris Hemsworth.

It’s a scene-stealing turn by the erstwhile Thor, who rides a chariot pulled by a trio of motorbikes (how?). Dementus is psychotic, pompous and hilarious. 

An escape attempt comes to naught, and Dementus eventually adopts the young Furiosa, in the hope she’ll lead him to the aforementioned good place. Unfortunately, the Warlord and his mob come across the Citadel of the Immortan Joe instead… 

Unrelenting spectacle in post apocalyptic Australia

What unfolds is unrelentingly spectacular. The frenetic choreography of crashing motorbikes, hot rods and custom rigs is just astonishing. There’s a refreshing physically to this heavy metal violence; you can almost smell the petrol fumes and taste sandy grit in your mouth.

The chaotic action is also underwritten by plenty of humour. The script, penned by Miller and Mad Max: Fury Road co-writer Nico Lathouris, is oddball and gloriously florid.

Furiosa lacks the propulsive narrative of Fury Road, but the physical set pieces and stunt work could well be better. The lens of cinematographer Simon Duggan is in constant motion, framing the action with almost impossible agility.

Furiosa is an sonic treat too. Tom Holkenborg’s score is as vital to the world building as the visuals, honking and accelerating like a runaway 18-wheeler. The sound design is positively operatic.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a superb slice of post apocalyptic action cinema, and probably the wildest ride you’ll experience at the movies this year.

Buy a ticket at a premium screen and buckle up.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is directed by George Miller, and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke and Alyla Browne. Rated 15, 148 minutes.