Director – Lee Isaac Chung

Cast – Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney and Sasha Lane.

Rating – 3

Inspired by the 1996 film Twister, Twisters is set in storm-prone Oklahoma, where tornadoes threaten to wreak havoc. The story centers on Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a determined individual haunted by the loss of friends to tornadoes during a school project. Years later, she teams up with Javi (Anthony Ramos) and Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a Tornado Wrangler and influencer, to confront an impending catastrophic tornado that could devastate their hometown.

Director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his acclaimed work in “Minari,” navigates the disaster genre with a focus on both the natural threat of tornadoes and the human drama that unfolds between them. Written by Joseph Kosinski and Mark L. Smith, based on characters created by Michael Crichton and Anne-Marie Martin, “Twisters” attempts to capture the essence of its predecessor while introducing new elements and characters.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its world-building. Oklahoma is vividly depicted, its small towns and villages embodying a sense of immediacy and vulnerability in the face of relentless storms. Chung’s direction emphasizes the tornado as a character in its own right, a relentless force of nature that shapes the protagonists’ lives and decisions.

The story begins on a tense and urgent note, wasting no time in plunging the audience into the heart of the storm. The introduction of characters like Tyler Owens, whose unconventional career as a Tornado Wrangler is explored with both fascination and skepticism, adds a layer of modernity and intrigue to the storyline. As the film progresses, however, certain aspects of character development and plot execution begin to falter.

While the immediate drama and tension are conveyed effectively, “Twisters” struggles to maintain depth beyond its central conflict. Questions arise about the plausibility of certain character motivations and the absence of broader societal implications in a disaster-prone region. The ensemble cast, including talented performers like Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, deliver committed performances, though some characters feel underdeveloped or relegated to secondary roles.

The film’s soundtrack and production design are commendable, enhancing the immersive experience of impending disaster and human resilience. Yet despite its visual and technical merits, “Twisters” occasionally succumbs to pacing issues and narrative inconsistencies that detract from its overall impact.

In conclusion, “Twisters” succeeds in capturing the spectacle and urgency of a disaster film, offering moments of suspense and emotional stakes amidst turbulent weather conditions. While it navigates the challenges of a sequel with mixed results, it remains a watchable entry in the genre that balances spectacle with human drama. While not without its flaws, it manages to entertain and engage viewers looking for a visceral cinematic experience.

Pros: Strong visual direction, engaging disaster scenes, engaging performances.

Cons: Pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, occasional inconsistencies in the story.