In George Miller’s Mad Max Saga, the film Furiosa is seen as a mythological account of its titular folk hero, as implied in the dreamlike ending of the movie. The ending hints at the relationship between Furiosa and Dementus, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, respectively. The plot revolves around Furiosa seeking revenge on Dementus for robbing her of her childhood. The climax of the film sees Furiosa facing a choice between giving in to her desire for revenge or seeking a different path.
Dementus, recognizing a kinship between himself and Furiosa, understands that vengeance will not heal her wounds, as it did not work for him. The chained teddy bear he carries is a symbol of his lost humanity and perhaps a memory of his lost children. When Furiosa confronts Dementus and exacts her revenge by tearing off his last piece of humanity, she forces him to confront his twisted paternal impulses towards her. Dementus warns Furiosa that seeking revenge will only lead to further violence and depravity, ultimately turning her into a reflection of himself.
Furiosa, who has already lost her innocence, is torn between seeking vengeance and maintaining her humanity. She ultimately decides to silence Dementus and make her decision in silence. The conclusion of the film sees the History Man starting to narrate, blurring reality into myth, emphasizing the folklore nature of Furiosa’s revenge story. The story of Furiosa’s revenge changes depending on who tells it, with the most underwhelming version being that she shoots Dementus in the head.
The significance of the peach in the film is tied to Furiosa’s connection to the Green Place, her humanity, and hope for a better future. The peach, passed down from her mother before her death, symbolizes Furiosa’s emotional ties to the oasis despite her physical departure from it. The final image of the film features a surreal depiction of Dementus as an old man with a peach tree growing from his crotch, representing the last seed of Furiosa’s humanity taking root and bearing fruit.
Furiosa’s act of plucking the first peach from the tree growing out of Dementus symbolizes her refusal to partake in the bitterness of violence and hatred. Instead, she serves the fruit to Immortan Joe’s brides, offering hope for a better future through the next generation. By choosing to deliver the brides to safety, Furiosa retains her last flicker of hope and humanity, showcasing optimism amidst a harsh wasteland. The peach tree serves as a metaphor for the potential for growth and change, even in the face of violence and despair.
