In Twisters, director Lee Isaac Chung conjures a turbulent spectacle that both honors and elevates the 1996 cult classic Twister. This standalone sequel sweeps audiences into the heart of Tornado Alley, delivering a whirlwind of visual effects and a surprisingly heartfelt narrative.
Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Carter, a former storm chaser turned National Weather Service analyst, whose traumatic past with tornadoes anchors her to a desk job in New York City. Her portrayal captures a delicate balance between vulnerability and determination, though at times, her character’s depth feels as elusive as a calm day during storm season. Opposite her, Glen Powell embodies Tyler Owens, a charismatic YouTuber and storm chaser whose swagger and charm could probably talk a tornado into posing for a selfie. Powell’s performance charges the film with a lighthearted energy, making the on-screen dynamics as electric as the stormy skies.
Chung’s direction brings an intimate perspective to the blockbuster genre, focusing closely on characters’ experiences amid the chaos. The film’s cinematography, shot on 35mm celluloid, adds a tangible texture to the sprawling Oklahoma landscapes, making the audience feel the wind, grass, and rain of its setting. However, while the tornado sequences are undeniably thrilling, the film occasionally leans too heavily on its special effects, at times overshadowing character development.
Benjamin Wallfisch‘s score complements the on-screen mayhem, though it occasionally swells to melodramatic heights, reminding viewers they’re watching a disaster film, just in case the flying cows didn’t make it clear.
Despite its spectacle, Twisters doesn’t delve deeply into the psychological aftermath of trauma or the pressing issue of climate change, opting instead for a more neutral stance. This choice, while keeping the narrative light and fast-paced, leaves a void where more substantial commentary could have been.
In essence, Twisters is a summer blockbuster that delivers on thrills and visual spectacle. While it may not reinvent the disaster genre, it offers an engaging ride that, much like a real tornado, is best experienced on the big screen.
RHFC Rating: 9.5/10 🍿
