Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: George Miller’s prequel to his action hit focuses on the origin of that film’s most interesting character, from her abduction from a lush oasis in an otherwise barren wasteland to her growth as a ferocious warrior. It’s not the most complex story, quite like its predecessor, but the character is certainly engaging enough to raise the stakes, and the action is absolutely furious once more. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the adult version of the protagonist: she doesn’t have many lines, but her striking and expressive eyes do a lot of talking instead; Furiosa is quite an apt name. The character is also played, when younger, by Alyla Browne, who is also quite good. Chris Hemsworth plays the main villain, a leader who is as charismatic and physically imposing as he is deranged, in a showstopping performance. Almost. Nothing really stops the incredible action scenes, once more exquisitely shot (by cinematographer Simon Duggan, this time) and dynamically edited (by Eliot Knapman and, once more, Margaret Sixel). Composer Tom Holkenborg contributes with a propulsive musical score, which perfectly complements the sound design heavy on motors. The production design (by Colin Gibson), costume design (by Jenny Beavan), and make-up work, all contribute to a world that is delirious and violence-prone.

Read also: Mad Max: Fury Road