In a movie that’s already too long to a fault, failing to include such a significant scene feels almost criminal.
Directed by George Miller and co-written with Nico Lathouris, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga chronicles the titular character’s journey from childhood to adulthood, shaped by the harsh Wasteland and its ruthless inhabitants.
The movie is not as exhilarating as the almost flawless Mad Max: Fury Road, and the editing could have been improved. However, it’s a decent prequel that is worth watching, even though I‘m not entirely convinced it was necessary to create it in the first place.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
My primary concern revolves around what transpired — or rather, what didn’t — after Furiosa’s true identity, disguised as a mute boy due to the dangers faced by being a young woman in the Citadel, was revealed to Praetorian Jack. The film fails to depict Immortan Joe’s reaction to her disappearance and the unveiling of her true self. This omission is particularly jarring, as it overlooks a critical moment in the narrative that could have added depth to the characters and storyline.
The setup
At the Citadel, Furiosa finds herself imprisoned in the vault alongside Immortan Joe’s harem of wives. As tensions rise, his son Rictus’s unwanted advances toward Furiosa prompt her to devise an escape plan. Fleeing from her confinement one night, she severs ties with her past by shearing off her hair and vanishing into the Wasteland.
Disguised as a mute teenage boy, Furiosa toils for over a decade, ascending through the ranks of Immortan Joe’s men. Her efforts are instrumental in the construction of the War Rig, a formidable supply tanker designed to withstand the brutal assaults of raiders in the lawless Wasteland. It is during this period that Furiosa tirelessly demonstrates her strength and prowess, striving to prove her worth to Immortan Joe. In doing so, she hopes to make her gender and her escape inconsequential, as her indispensability to Immortan Joe’s operation becomes undeniable.
During a brutal raider assault, the crew of the War Rig is decimated, leaving only the Rig’s commander, Praetorian Jack, and Furiosa as the sole survivors. In a desperate bid to reach the Green Place, Furiosa attempts to abscond with the Rig, only to be intercepted by Jack. However, despite the revelation of her true identity, Jack perceives Furiosa’s exceptional abilities and promotes her to the esteemed rank of Praetorian. He extends an offer to train her in exchange for assistance in rebuilding his crew, forging a bond between them as they pledge to one day flee the Citadel together.
Despite the intricately crafted setup, the film entirely overlooks any scenes depicting Immortan Joe and his sons‘ shock or betrayal upon discovering Furiosa’s true identity. This absence diminishes the impact of what should have been a momentous revelation. It misses a vital opportunity to delve deeper into the characters‘ dynamics and add significant emotional weight to the story. It’s a surprising narrative gap in an otherwise meticulously crafted world.
I can envision defenders of the film arguing that Furiosa’s true identity doesn‘t matter because she has already proven herself valuable to Immortan Joe. However, the screenplay dedicates considerable time to establishing her disguise as a boy, creating a rich backstory that raises expectations for a dramatic payoff. In a movie that’s already too long to a fault, failing to include such a significant scene feels almost criminal.