Prequels can be tricky. We know the destination, so the journey needs to be the driving force that keeps us intrigued. Since the outcome is preordained, it can remove a level of tension that should be present in their adventures since there is no chance their story won’t continue into the future. Not only that, but origin-itis can rear its head as the film spends too much time on pointless details that can drone on ad infinitum. Furiosa manages to escape all these tropes and proves that George Miller is, as always, the master of sci-fi and character development. What he gives us is a consistent dose of adrenaline with the action set pieces and also a character study into the steadfast young girl who would become the fearless warrior we know from Fury Road.
Years have passed since Armageddon has laid waste to the earth, but Furiosa (Alyla Browne) lives happily with her family in the Green Place of Many Mothers. This is cut short when she is kidnapped by the bikers of the ruthless Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) who “adopts” her into his horde in an attempt to get her to lead him back to her home and place of abundance. When a siege of Immortan Joe’s (Lachy Hulme) Citadel brings them to a standstill, the two strike an uneasy truce with Dementus being given control of Gastown in exchange for her as one of Joe’s wives. She escapes imprisonment and lives in disguise amongst his army until years later, the grown Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy) is taken under the wing of Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke) who sees her potential and trains her in the skills she will need to end the life of the man who destroyed hers.
Before we dive in, I do want to give one caveat in that if people are expecting Fury Road 2, they are going to be disappointed. Yes, we get tons of stunts and crazy fights, but that is not what this film is about. Though this plays out on a grand stage, it is very much a private story about Furiosa and her evolution. The storm of violence and bloodshed are always held at bay as she sits in its eye and pushes through with a fierce determination scarcely seen in any movie.
None of this would have been possible without the outstanding performances of Browne and Taylor-Joy. Each has a steely resolve and grit that belies their years and showcases how much of a powerhouse both actors are. I dare anyone to meet their glare at the camera without an involuntary shiver. Keeping in mind that their roles are nearly as silent as Max’s was in Fury Road makes the presence they are able to command nearly mind boggling.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mad Max movie without incredible set pieces, and while they are fantastic, they don’t quite reach past heights. Sadly, Miller relies a bit too much on (bad) CGI which is slightly distracting and doesn’t quite give the same jolt of adrenaline of his practical effects. It’s not a deal breaker, but it makes you wonder why he didn’t stick to his roots and use what has worked so perfectly in the past.
Aside from that and a brief, unnecessary cameo, this is a near equal to Miller’s last endeavor. The quieter moments stand out even heavier when contrasted to the omnipresent fire and sand, and it’s all the stronger for it as a simple rehash would have just been rote and disappointing. It’s rare that a prequel can stand on its own, but that is exactly what this accomplishes, and is a near masterpiece of filmmaking. Considering how many other untold stories must exist in this universe, I’m eager to see what comes next, and I hope Furiosa is at the helm driving us into hell and back.