Almost 30 years ago, the pulse-pounding action flick Twister, became the second-highest-grossing film of the year behind Independence Day. Brimming with innovative visual effects and a dynamic cast led by Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, the Jan de Bont-directed feature stood out thanks to its unique portrayal of tornadoes. No film had ever done what the 1996 blockbuster could with its cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking special effects blending high-octane action with emotional depth. So, naturally, when a standalone sequel called Twisters was first teased four years ago, the hype was a bit more tempered than usual. Fast forward to its anticipated release last month and the Lee Isaac Chung-directed feature is one of the more compelling releases this summer, capturing that initial spirit and charm, but never imitating it. Whereas the original set the pace for what disaster flicks need, the Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos-led film recaptures that excitement and wonder through plenty of heart, making it a worthy successor and one of the best films of the summer.
As a film that firmly exists on its own alongside immense heart and special effects that have only elevated over the years, Twisters manages to use so much of the dangers of climate change to warrant its dramatic, unpredictable action sequences. The two-hour feature, which opened up in theatres on July 19, is a little bit of everything. While it leads as a disaster flick, there is a strong introspective poignancy to the film because of its characters led by Edgar-Jones and Powell. This dynamic organically leans into a bit of rom-com joy but is seasoned with some natural disaster-type creature feature thrills. Though it’s nothing like the first film, it sincerely rides that nostalgia train through a deck of solid performances and fearsome action sequences to be one of the most exciting and fun movies you’ll see this season.
What Is ‘Twisters’ About?
As a completely new story with the only common denominator being that of deadly tornadoes, Twisters follows Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a former stormchaser who has resigned from the field after a devastating tragedy involving her boyfriend and two best friends. Fast forward a few years, and Kate is now a weather analyst in New York watching these storms from the comfort of a desk while sharing data with her team. But that is about to change when she is soon coaxed back into the storms by her former partner and best friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos). The dynamic between Edgar-Jones and Ramos is an interesting one and plays strongly to their characters’ shared tragedies. While there is a lot of unspoken grief between the two, the actors offer an absorbing performance that finds you genuinely sympathizing with the pair.
Feeling the need to make a change and create a difference with her understanding of storms that almost makes her a “Storm Whisperer,” Javi’s team seeks to advance storm research with new technology — an aspect that echoes elements from the first film’s iconic device, Dorothy. However, Javi’s investors alongside the untrustworthy Scott (David Corenswet, who is also next year’s Superman) have ulterior motives when it comes to their reasoning. It’s an interesting commentary about disaster capitalism, seen after events like Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic that purports to help individuals.
While on her return to storm chasing with Javi, Kate’s efforts clash with Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell. With a winning smile, a striking performance and a truckload of charm, it’s no secret Powell is Hollywood’s newest it boy. Tyler is the untamed cowboy of the TikTok generation alongside his crew, broadcasting his tornado-wrangling adventures online as he drives his way into storms and drills his truck into place. But he’s not just all looks and charm. When he’s not risking his life, Tyler is a sharp and intelligent stormchaser, hoping to make a difference. As Kate and Tyler’s paths cross, their conflicting approaches and the tension brewing between them converge into an enthralling chemistry. It’s more than sparks at this point as Edgar-Jones and Powell have an irresistible, striking energy with one another that makes their scenes together so enjoyable. Together, the two face intense storms and challenges behind their respective methodologies while navigating their growing relationship amid the chaos of their high-stakes work.
‘Twisters’ Captures the Awe and Horror of Its Natural Disasters
One of the most striking aspects of Twisters is no doubt its powerful depiction of tornadoes. As a film that manages to firmly establish its natural terrors, Chung pushes forth a strong sense of awe and fear through the film’s cutting-edge CGI and practical effects. The tornadoes are made up of stunning, intricate details that initiate a mighty fright when watching them tear up the Midwest landscape, an effect that plays to its cinematic appeal. Blend that with exceptional performances and a full-bodied soundtrack, and it’s an action flick that truly excels as a formidable blockbuster setting a new standard in the forces of nature genre. Deeply humanistic and sincere with its messaging, Twisters captures the sheer force of these tornadoes as they shred homes, tossing vehicles and scattering debris across the land. That kind of visual intensity serves to emphasize the scale of what this kind of disaster means for communities while immersing the audience in its chaos.
But the destruction and pain of these natural disasters are not just depicted in their visual effects that are both visually stunning and realistically terrifying, but they also work strongly through the drama and pain felt by those affected. We see this first-hand in Kate and the loss she has suffered that has permanently scarred her. Considering Chung is best known for his tender, sweeping story Minari, we are lucky to have a script that equally focuses its story on the emotional and psychological impact these storms bring. Twisters uses its tornadoes to not just heighten the high-octane thrills, but the emotional drama. The harrowing sequences of those swept into these storms amplify the tension, create layers to its characters and immerse viewers into what is a visceral experience. It also opens up an incredible amount of depth to Edgar-Jones’ performance who is delicately and most masterfully handling the weight of Kate’s trauma while chasing these tornadoes.
‘Twisters’ Thrives on Its Starry Cast
As a disaster movie that makes the most of itself through strong special effects and CGI, it is also strikingly complemented by its absorbing story. Written by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), Twisters works like a monster movie but maintains its heart through deeply layered characters and a spectacular cast. With Powell and Edgar-Jones as the film’s leads, the two give us a ton of chemistry and light up every scene they share. It’s also why it’s such a shame we never get to see these two kiss — but it also works quite well to the film’s story and message. This is not a rom-com, by any means. It’s a very personal journey for Kate that comes to a smart conclusion. It also gives us reason to believe these two are serious about their work, which makes the audience a lot more convinced by their dynamic.
Edgar-Jones delivers a multifaceted performance, balancing charm, intelligence, and emotional depth. Her portrayal captures a very tragic internal conflict that is not unrealistic or farfetched by any means. Storm-chasing is a dangerous job and Kate’s initial reluctance to return to the field gives Edgar-Jones a strong performance. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from terror to determination, adds depth to the film’s central narrative. Her co-star, Powell’s character Tyler is a dynamic, charismatic presence and he never loses steam in the film’s two hours. It’s a testament to Powell’s starpower where he can effectively convey the character’s adventurous spirit and underlying vulnerability with charm. There is more behind this character, who can expand beyond the initial archetype.
That said, Ramos is a force on screen, but being underutilized in Twisters was unfortunate. Sure, his role was an impactful one and the anchor for Kate’s return, but there needed to be more here. As the film progresses, Javi is less central to the story, even though he is still strongly affecting. Mix that sentiment with the rest of the cast and this is really a vehicle for Powell and Edgar-Jones. Even the new Superman doesn’t get that much positive screen time.
Smith’s script offers firm characters with powerful relationships shaped by these stormy antagonists. But it’s Chung’s vision that ties the film together. There is an intricate and sharp narrative that effectively balances tight pacing, palpable tension, and emotionally resonant moments. In keeping with the disaster-horror tone of the original, Twisters treats its villainous storms with a sense of reverence, portraying them as almost sentient, stalking forces of nature. It’s this aspect that makes for a vivid, touching portrayal of such realistic Midwest haunts. As a disaster film that reminds us of our interest in the genre and the unruly fears woven into Mother Nature’s scariest traits, Twisters provides a practical way for us to feel for humanity — and most importantly, the monsters we’ve created along the way.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Twisters hits VOD on August 13.
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