Two of the most memorable moments from 1996’s Twister still linger in the minds of fans: the iconic shot of a flying cow and the exhilarating scenes of storm chasing accompanied by Deep Purple’s “Highway Star.” These moments nearly tempted many to hit the open road to chase storms themselves. The much-anticipated standalone sequel, Twisters, resurrects that same thrilling spirit, albeit with a fresh storyline and new cast.
Twisters introduces us to young meteorologist Kate Cooper, portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Kate is driven by a passionate belief that she has devised a foolproof method to tame tornadoes. Eager to test her groundbreaking theory, she joins a group of fellow storm chasers on a daring expedition. Her team includes close friends: Javi (played by Anthony Ramos), her supportive boyfriend Jeb (Daryl McCormack), the tech-savvy Addy (Kiernan Shipka), and meteorology enthusiast Praveen (Nik Dodani). Their mission leads them right into the heart of a ferocious storm, but things take a disastrous turn. Five years later, Kate has retreated to the safety of a New York office, tracking weather patterns from behind a desk, much to the concern of her mother, Cathy, portrayed by Maura Tierney.
The plot thickens when Javi, who has since joined the military, approaches Kate with a request. He needs her expertise to help him test a new weather sensor prototype— a more advanced iteration of his original device, Dorothy. Despite her reservations, Kate agrees and travels back to Oklahoma with Javi. Upon arrival, they find themselves amidst a chaotic scene with storm tourists and social media enthusiasts swarming the area. At the head of this motley crew is the charismatic Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) and his diverse team consisting of, among others, videographer Boone (Brandon Perea), drone operator Lilly (Sasha Lane), scientist Dexter (Tunde Adebimpe), and mechanic Dani (Katy O’Brian). Adding to the mix is Ben (Harry Hadden-Paton), a London journalist documenting Tyler’s storm-chasing exploits.
As the teams compete in the high-stakes race to achieve the impossible – breaking the speed of sound – tensions escalate, and secrets unravel.
. Kate gradually uncovers that Javi has not been entirely honest with her, and learns that Tyler has more depth than his social media persona suggests. The escalating ferocity of the storms, exacerbated by climate change, adds a layer of urgency to their mission. Tyler demonstrates his compassionate side when he rescues a dog amidst the chaos, echoing a memorable moment from the original Twister where Jo’s dog narrowly escapes danger.
Twisters dazzles with its visually stunning scenes and spectacular effects. The awe-inspiring portrayal of nature’s fury is bound to leave audiences breathless. A standout moment in the film occurs within a movie theatre where the storm dramatically invades the screen, offering an unforgettable pyrotechnic display that sits as the ultimate cherry atop a lavish VFX cake. When the screen tears open to reveal a direct view into the raging storm outside, one can only gasp at the raw power and beauty of nature on display.
The movie also features a romantic subplot that adds an endearing dimension to the otherwise tense storyline. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos deliver strong performances, imbuing their characters with the conviction and charisma necessary to navigate both the scientific and emotional challenges they face. While none of the original characters from Twister make a return, fans will delight in the clever nods to the 1996 film, including a number of references to The Wizard of Oz, symbolized by the presence of Dorothy, the scarecrow, the tinman, and the lion. Additionally, viewers will spot a cameo by Bill Paxton’s son, James Paxton, who plays a disgruntled motel guest— a touching tribute to his late father who starred in the original film.
Helmed by Minari’s Lee Isaac Chung, Twisters strikes a harmonious balance between nostalgia and novelty. Chung crafts a sequel that honors its predecessor while also offering enough fresh excitement and technological marvels to captivate a new generation of audience members. Blending a sense of wonder with heartfelt drama, Twisters successfully revives the storm-chasing adventure for enthusiasts both old and new.
Twisters is currently captivating audiences in theatres, promising a whirlwind experience that is not to be missed.
**English cinema / World cinema**
