Furiosa: Holy Smokes! A Review with a Few Caveats

"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" may sound like a film with a captivating story but it leaves you with plenty to think about, and it's important to go in knowing what to expect. Apologies for any potential spoilers! The movie contains challenging content, including instances of violence and unsettling scenes involving children, such as a young Furiosa being compelled to wear a chastity belt. If such themes are unsettling to you, this film may be best avoided. 

The Catholic Review highlights that the film addresses mature themes, encompassing cannibalism, pedophilia, and vengeance. It also includes graphic violence, scenes of torture, slavery, disturbing visuals, non-scriptural religious elements, and occasional coarse language.

I decided to watch the movie after reading a review in our local publication, Anglican Focus. While the film boasts an engaging narrative and profound thematic content, it also poses challenges that warrant careful reflection. During a recent screening with my partner, where we were among only two other moviegoers, I couldn’t help but notice unsettling instances, particularly regarding the depiction of distressing scenarios involving children. Despite my appreciation for Hemsworth's previous performances, certain moments in the film ventured into uncomfortable territory, deviating from what might be considered appropriate or necessary for entertainment.

What truly soured the experience for me were the disturbing references to pedophilia within the fantasy setting. The depiction of Furiosa, a young girl, wearing and needing a chastity belt, as well as subtle allusions to sexual violence, left an unsettling impression. Such content, purportedly for entertainment, raises serious ethical concerns about its normalization in media.

The movie contains some interesting biblical references and allegorical elements that add depth to its narrative. From the outset, the film establishes parallels with the Genesis story, presenting a stark contrast between paradise and desolation. The lush, idyllic setting of the Green Place of Many Mothers evokes imagery of the Garden of Eden, while the subsequent fall from grace sets Furiosa on a journey of exile and redemption. Throughout her odyssey, echoes of biblical narratives resonate, from themes of sacrifice and resilience to the pursuit of justice and the quest for a promised land. 

Despite its unflinching portrayal of the brutal Mad Max world, Dr. Peter Kline from St. Francis College commends the film's immersive sound and cinematography. He states, "Miller's Mad Max world is a striking achievement of immersive sound and cinematography, and Furiosa repeats the visceral impact of this world without abatement. The roar of engines, the burnt palette of the desert, and the constant clash of metal make the viewing experience a bombardment. Go see it on the big screen".

Ultimately, 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' is a film that sparks reflection and discussion. While it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes, its stunning visuals, thematic depth, and bold storytelling make it an interesting addition to the Mad Max canon. However, it's essential for viewers to approach it with discernment, acknowledging both its strengths and its limitations.

This movie contains mature themes and intense scenes that are not appropriate for children. Given the film's content, some viewers may contend that it should have been reclassified as R-rated to ensure it's viewed by mature audiences.

Photo Source: filmfroth.com