I'm not really a fan of action movies, but when I come across one that really surprises me, I never forget it. One such marvel is “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” an epic, dystopian action film that completely blew me away when I saw it in theaters a few months ago. It's safe to say that I left the theater convinced that I had seen the best action movie of the year.
“Furiosa” is a prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” focusing on the origin story of the fierce warrior Furiosa. The film follows her journey from captivity to becoming a key figure in the battle against the tyrannical warlord Immortan Joe, set against a backdrop of relentless post-apocalyptic action. As you can imagine, the thought of being able to see it again, this time in the comfort of my own home, is too good to pass up.
Now, with it arriving on one of the best streaming services, I knew I had to dive back into the chaos. And let me tell you, “Furiosa” is not only a great action movie, but the best 2024 action movie. Here's why you should stream it now on Max.
What is “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” about?
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For those who haven't seen “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” in theaters, here's a quick summary of what it's about.
The film delves into the origins of the iconic character Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy), who became a fan favorite in “Fury Road.” This prequel takes us back to her early life, exploring how young Furiosa (Alyla Browne) was uprooted from her homeland as a child and thrust into a brutal, war-torn world dominated by savage warlords. We witness her harrowing journey of survival and resilience as she navigates a dystopian landscape filled with deadly enemies and ruthless factions.
Furiosa's path unfortunately leads her into the clutches of Dr. Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful ruler who controls vast areas of this desolate wasteland and wants to take control of the gas supply. Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme), another powerful character, triggers an endless battle, and Furiosa must survive many trials while finding a way back home.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is a truly awesome movie.
If any movie were to win the title of “badass” of the year, it would definitely be “Furiosa.” It’s a standout action movie due to its relentless, fast-paced chase scenes and unique dieselpunk aesthetic. But there’s one scene in particular that gave me goosebumps, and that’s Furiosa’s “Stowaway to Nowhere” chase scene, which features a barrage of gunfire, cars, and death-defying explosions. I won’t spoil the surprise too much, just know that it’s my favorite scene in the entire franchise.
However, I have to commend Taylor-Joy for her portrayal of Furiosa, which is both fierce and nuanced. She adds incredible depth to her role as a skilled warrior and determined survivor, even though she has virtually no lines in the film. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action, the film manages to balance the fast pace of the narrative with genuine emotion when it comes to Furiosa's fight for freedom.
Of course, critics were also blown away by the film, giving it a lofty 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (a rating it richly deserves given its disappointing box office results). Randy Myers of the San Jose Mercury News said, “The film is brilliantly shot, designed, edited and directed, and features a stack of jaw-dropping action sequences and a pulsating, metallic soundtrack.”
Meanwhile, Entertainment Weekly's Christian Holub spoke of the smaller, more impressive emotional touches throughout the film: “Furiosa has car chases, hordes of bikers and a fiery death, but almost more impressive are the small moments of beauty that you won't find anywhere else.”
Stream “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” Now
If you're looking for a movie that delivers non-stop action, stunning post-apocalyptic visuals, and a gripping story with beautiful moments of genuine emotion, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is for you. I'd go so far as to say that it's more than just an “action movie” – it's a thrilling experience that will leave you breathless.
Still not feeling it? Check out these best movies like “Furiosa” instead. And for more intense fight sequences, watch the best action movies currently streaming on netflix.
Stream “Furiosa” now on Max.