Almost three decades after Twister became a cultural phenomenon, Twisters blows into theaters, merging old-school blockbuster thrills with a timely exploration of humanity’s relationship with extreme weather. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), this standalone sequel embraces its roots while grounding its spectacle in a more reflective, emotional narrative.
The story centers on meteorologist Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a storm-savvy scientist haunted by a devastating tornado event during her college years. Now working for the National Weather Service in New York City, Kate reluctantly returns to Tornado Alley when her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) convinces her to assist in a groundbreaking project. Together, they aim to improve storm prediction and mitigation, but their mission intertwines with a colorful cast of storm chasers led by Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a cocky social media personality who markets himself as the “tornado wrangler.”
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The film’s central conflict juxtaposes Kate’s methodical, science-driven approach with Tyler’s flashy, thrill-seeking bravado. Powell delivers a scene-stealing performance, balancing charisma, humor, and just enough depth to make his transformation from cocky showman to reluctant hero believable. Unfortunately, Edgar-Jones struggles to match his energy, resulting in a lack of chemistry that dampens their romantic subplot. Her subdued portrayal contrasts sharply with Powell’s vibrant, almost larger-than-life presence, leaving their dynamic feeling uneven. Ramos, meanwhile, makes the most of his limited screen time, exuding warmth and charm.
Chung’s direction brings authenticity and heart to the narrative. Much like Minari, his attention to the American Midwest shines through in sweeping vistas, small-town settings, and an unflinching look at the human cost of natural disasters. The film doesn’t shy away from the devastating realities of tornadoes, showcasing entire communities grappling with loss and rebuilding. While it avoids overtly naming climate change, the growing intensity of the storms and their societal impact are unmistakable subtexts, adding a layer of relevance to the spectacle.
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The action sequences are a mix of thrilling and inventive, with standout set pieces that rival — and occasionally surpass — the original. One memorable moment unfolds in a small-town movie theater, where a tornado tears through the screen mid-film, trapping terrified townsfolk in a meta commentary on disaster cinema. The visual effects, paired with Christopher Benstead’s soaring score, create a visceral experience that demands to be seen on the big screen.
However, the film occasionally stumbles. Subplots, such as Javi’s morally ambiguous employer or Tyler’s ragtag team of influencers, feel underdeveloped, distracting from the central narrative. The script by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant) is strongest when it focuses on the storms themselves, both literal and emotional. The opening sequence — a gut-wrenching flashback to Kate’s traumatic past — sets a high emotional bar that the rest of the film struggles to maintain.
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Despite its flaws, Twisters successfully captures the spirit of its predecessor while updating the formula for modern audiences. It pays homage to the simplicity and charm of the 1996 classic, but with a greater emphasis on the stakes of human resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather. The film’s finale leans into this theme, transforming the tornado from a force to be chased into a monster to be confronted — both metaphorically and literally.
In an era dominated by franchise fatigue, Twisters is a refreshing return to the earnest, crowd-pleasing disaster epic. It delivers on spectacle, nostalgia, and even a touch of introspection, making it a worthy successor to its iconic predecessor. Whether you’re here for the flying debris, the human drama, or Glen Powell’s undeniable charm, Twisters is a storm well worth chasing.
TL;DR Review
Twisters (2024)
Twisters updates the 1996 classic with modern stakes, heartfelt drama, and thrilling spectacle. Balancing nostalgia with introspection, it’s an earnest, crowd-pleasing disaster epic that’s as exciting as it is emotional. A storm worth chasing for fans old and new.
Review Breakdown
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