Twisters Review: At its essence, a compelling disaster film often doubles as a horror movie. It portrays events so catastrophic and beyond comprehension that they seem to challenge our very existence. This sense of the extraordinary—often described as an ‘act of God’—reflects the grandeur and menace of natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, or tornadoes.
The original Twister from 1996, directed by Jan de Bont, vividly encapsulated this terror through its portrayal of storm chasers confronting nature’s fury. It opens with a tornado wreaking havoc on a young Jo Harding’s (played by Helen Hunt and Alexa Vega) family home, illustrating the storm’s power with dramatic lighting, sound effects, and music. The sequel, Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, captures this same sense of reverence and fear, encouraging us to confront our anxieties and strive for collective resilience.
Twisters echoes the themes of its 1996 predecessor, such as the clash between corporate motives and altruistic ideals, as well as the resilience of communities facing harsh natural elements. While tornadoes are formidable and awe-inspiring, they also attract thrill-seekers. The film features characters who confront these natural forces with bravery, though this time they battle raging tornadoes rather than mythical beasts. Twisters impresses with its striking visuals, memorable sequences, and grand scale, complemented by exceptional performances from a talented cast. Although there are a few narrative hiccups and character inconsistencies that slightly hinder its potential, the film remains an engaging and emotionally charged experience that highlights both the magnitude of the threat and the courage of those who face it.
Twisters
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
- Release Date: July 19, 2024
- Director: Lee Isaac Chung
- Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Daryl McCormack
- Writers: Mark L. Smith, Joseph Kosinski, Michael Crichton, Anne-Marie Martin
Plot Summary
In Twisters, Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is a tornado chaser with hopes of developing a technology to control tornadoes. After a tragic test run, she abandons her dream. Five years later, her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) invites her to join his new venture, which employs advanced military tech to map tornadoes. During a tornado chase, they encounter Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a “Tornado Wrangler” from Arkansas with a large online following. As a series of tornadoes threaten Oklahoma, Kate and Tyler must work together to create an accurate model and prototype before a massive tornado devastates a nearby town.
Disaster films have been around for nearly a century, reflecting humanity’s vulnerability and resilience. Twisters continues this tradition by showcasing not just our weaknesses, but also our remarkable abilities to innovate and unite. Rather than viewing tornadoes as divine retributions, the film presents them as formidable adversaries that can be defeated. This approach highlights humanity’s determination to overcome these threats.
‘Twisters’ Showcases Resilient Humanity with Strong Performances
Twisters, like its predecessor, quickly establishes tornadoes as awe-inspiring and destructive forces. The film’s intense opening explains Kate’s retreat from tornado chasing and sets the stage for her return to the field. The film excels in portraying the sheer scale and destructive power of tornadoes, capturing the terror of being swept into the sky as if by a vengeful deity. Tornadoes are depicted with the respect they deserve, as Tyler describes them as “a mix of everything we know, part science, part religion… nature’s masterpiece.”
The film balances the horror of tornadoes with the personal impact on affected communities: destroyed homes, missing families, and trauma. This blend of grand scale and intimate consequences enhances the audience’s connection to the story.
Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a standout performance as Kate, skillfully navigating a role that demands charm, intelligence, bravery, and emotional depth. Her character’s intuitive understanding of tornadoes complements the film’s exploration of high-tech versus instinctual tornado tracking.
Glen Powell’s Impact in ‘Twisters’
Glen Powell’s portrayal of Tyler Owens adds depth and charisma to his character’s bravado. Powell’s performance reveals layers beyond his star appeal, demonstrating his ability to convey both charm and complexity. Edgar-Jones’ emotional range ultimately drives the narrative, while Anthony Ramos offers a nuanced portrayal of Javi, who channels personal loss into a complex role balancing profit with meaningful impact. The supporting cast, including talented newcomers, contribute significantly despite occasional underutilization.
Challenges and Observations
A notable issue with Twisters is the underutilization of Ramos’ character, Javi, who is sidelined as the narrative progresses. His role, initially significant, seems diminished as the story advances, leaving some plot threads inadequately explored. Additionally, the film avoids direct discussion of climate change, despite its relevance to the storyline involving increasingly severe tornadoes. While not detrimental to the film’s enjoyment, this omission feels like a missed opportunity for a more profound commentary on contemporary issues.
Overall, Twisters delivers a compelling narrative with strong pacing, tension, and emotional resonance. It revives the disaster genre with a fresh perspective, blending thrilling action with a thoughtful examination of human resilience. Despite some narrative shortcomings, the film succeeds in offering a memorable and exhilarating experience, supported by a talented cast and impressive direction.