Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2024

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dystopian origin story with stunning visuals and relentless action—strictly for older teens and adults who can handle Mad Max brutality.

7.5/10

90%

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Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

movie

R, 2024

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dystopian origin story with stunning visuals and relentless action—strictly for older teens and adults who can handle Mad Max brutality.

7.5

90%

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7.5/10

90%

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be clear: this is not a family movie. Furiosa is an intense, violent, unrelenting action film set in a brutal post-apocalyptic wasteland. It's also really, really good at what it does.

George Miller has created one of the most visually distinctive cinematic universes, and this prequel delivers the goods—stunning action sequences, incredible world-building, and a compelling origin story for one of the franchise's most interesting characters. The critical acclaim is well-deserved.

But it's R-rated intensity all the way through. If you've got a 16 or 17-year-old who loves action films and can handle dark, violent content, this could be a great watch together. For everyone else, wait until they're older. The Mad Max universe doesn't pull punches, and neither should your age assessment.

For adults who appreciate masterful action filmmaking and aren't squeamish about dystopian brutality, this is absolutely worth your time. Just maybe after the kids are in bed.

Age Fit

This is firmly older teen (16+) to adult territory. The Mad Max franchise is known for intense, brutal action and dystopian bleakness. While it's excellent filmmaking with a compelling protagonist, younger teens simply aren't ready for this level of sustained violence and dark themes. Adults and mature older teens who appreciate action cinema will find a lot to admire.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a post-apocalyptic action film centered on survival in a brutal wasteland. While Furiosa herself is a strong, determined protagonist fighting to return home, the world is dominated by violence, tyranny, and harsh treatment. The emotional tone is dark and intense, with little modeling of kindness or cooperation—it's survival of the fittest. Not exactly family movie night material.

Imaginative

The Mad Max universe is wildly imaginative—dystopian wasteland aesthetics, creative vehicle designs, elaborate world-building around resource scarcity and warlord societies. George Miller's vision is distinctive and visually stunning, inviting viewers into a fully-realized alternate reality. The prequel nature adds depth to an already rich franchise mythology.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this at 16+, and for good reason. Expect intense action violence throughout, likely including deaths, combat sequences, and the gritty brutality the Mad Max franchise is known for. The premise involves a child being 'snatched' and surviving 'many trials' under warring tyrants—not exactly comforting content. This is R-rated territory with significant violence and likely disturbing imagery.

Enriching

Furiosa is a compelling story of resilience, survival, and determination. The protagonist's journey from captive to survivor offers themes of perseverance and agency in impossible circumstances. The film explores power dynamics, tyranny, and what it takes to maintain humanity in inhumane conditions. Strong critical reception (90% RT critics, 79 Metacritic) suggests meaningful filmmaking, though the entertainment is definitely of the intense, adrenaline-fueled variety.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visually spectacular world-building in the Mad Max universe that's unlike anything else in cinema
Strong female protagonist showing incredible resilience and determination against overwhelming odds
Critically acclaimed filmmaking (90% RT critics, 79 Metacritic) with George Miller's distinctive vision
Explores themes of survival, agency, and maintaining humanity in inhumane circumstances
For older teens ready for intense content, it's a masterclass in action filmmaking and dystopian storytelling

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What to Watch For

Intense, sustained violence throughout—this is R-rated Mad Max, so expect brutal action sequences and deaths
Dark themes of captivity, tyranny, and survival that could be disturbing for younger or sensitive viewers
The entire tone is grim and unrelenting—no comic relief or light moments to break the tension
Common Sense Media recommends 16+ for very good reasons—don't let younger kids near this one

Conversation Starters

"What do you think keeps Furiosa going when everything seems hopeless? Where does that kind of determination come from?"
"The movie shows different types of power and control—what makes someone a tyrant versus a leader?"
"How do people maintain their humanity and values in extreme survival situations? What would you hold onto?"
"Why do you think dystopian stories like Mad Max resonate with audiences? What are they really about?"

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