Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunning, intense prequel has near-constant peril, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
What's the Story?
FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA opens with a young Furiosa (Alyla Browne) picking a peach in the Green Place of Many Mothers, where she lives in a coed, communal society. One day, a group of biker scouts unexpectedly kidnaps her, but she's followed by her mother, Mary Jabassa (Charlee Fraser), to the Horde of the Biker Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). The kidnappers plan to use Furiosa to convince Dementus that they've found a place of abundance, but she refuses to speak, particularly after an unspeakable tragedy occurs. Dementus keeps her as a pet, along with his History Man (George Shevtsov), who's like a human encyclopedia. When Dementus' gang discovers Gas Town, it leads to a series of violent attacks between Dementus and Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme), who demands young Furiosa as part of a deal. Once at the Citadel, Furiosa grows up (now Anya Taylor-Joy) to learn about cars alongside the War Boys and to ride with Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke), driving the war rig on perilous supply runs on the Fury Road. All of this is part of her plan to return to the Green Place, no matter how long it takes.
Is It Any Good?
This visually stunning Fury Road prequel is a riveting, well-acted study of a fiercely powerful character. Even before Furiosa grows into Taylor-Joy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, young Browne captures the essence of the character whom Charlize Theron made so legendary in the previous movie. Both Browne and Taylor-Joy play Furiosa as brave, keenly observant, self-aware, and quick-witted. She saves others when she could just think of herself. Both of the Furiosas give tremendous performances, even though it's Taylor-Joy who has to bridge the character's traumatized childhood and adulthood as the one-armed war-rig driver the War Boys revere and Immortan Joe trusts. While there's less original world-building in this origin story than in Fury Road, the screenplay by writer-director George Miller and Nick Lathouris features more exposition, intrigue, and a wider-scale plot.
Amid the dark and violent post-apocalyptic Wasteland so carefully curated by Academy Award-winning production designer Colin Gibson, audiences will find moments of levity, tenderness, and humor. Hemsworth, who's no stranger to playing a cult leader (Bad Times at the El Royale), is bloodthirsty and cruel, but he's also funnier than the humorless Immortan Joe. There's unexpected kindness and affection in the story, too, courtesy of Furiosa's relationship with Jack. It's heartbreaking to see their slow-burn friendship-turned-romance, knowing that Fury Road makes no mention of his character, but the emotion is much needed. Simon Duggan's cinematography is memorable and evocative, and the composer includes hauntingly beautiful Aboriginal Australian themes. With this propulsive prequel, Miller has proven that there are more worthwhile Wasteland stories to tell.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Furiosa. Is it necessary to the story? Why? What does the movie seem to say about violence in general? Is it thrilling, or is some of it shocking and unpleasant? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
What's the appeal of the Furiosa character? What do we learn about her here? Do you consider her a role model? Which character strengths does she demonstrate?
Discuss the role of gender in this post-apocalyptic universe. What makes Furiosa such an anomaly?
Discuss the differences between the three different fortress "communities" of the Wasteland. Which one was the best run? What advantages did each offer? Which leader did you think was the smartest and/or strongest?
Talk about the History Man. What makes him unique? Why was he useful instead of being a threat?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 24, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : June 25, 2024
- Cast : Anya Taylor-Joy , Chris Hemsworth , Tom Burke
- Director : George Miller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 148 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of strong violence, and grisly images
- Last updated : November 24, 2025
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