Twisters, a sequel standalone of Twister (1996) starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, is an exhilarating blockbuster that proves just as gripping as its predecessor. Though not ground-breaking narratively speaking, it touches on the aftermath of tornadoes as well as the chase with tact, with the action accompanied by a charming, country soundtrack.
★★★★☆
Twisters follows Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a talented meteorologist who is thrown back into the world of tornado-chasing with her old pal Javi (Anthony Ramos). As they attempt to gain data to build a picture for predicting the natural disasters, they undergo challenges from all fronts: other tornado-chasers, the danger of the natural disasters themselves, and Kate confronting the exact reason she left the business in the first place.
After the success of Where The Crawdads Sing (2022), Edgar-Jones takes on another leading role in this tornado-chasing blockbuster. The film is another piece of proof that the American twang remains firmly in her wheelhouse. Kate has a sarcastic disposition and the intuition to back it up, and the chemistry between her and Southern-man Glen Powell, and Twisters is an exciting, fresh follow-up with the charismatic performances to rival Hunt and Paxton. Taking notes from Helen Hunt and the confidence of Laura Dern’s Ellie in Jurassic Park (1993), Edgar-Jones’ Kate is a stellar lead. Though hardly original by any means (a leading scientist with a traumatic past is a popular backstory), Kate’s narrative growth, witty conversation, and easy chemistry makes for a leading performance that propels Twisters past your average action flick.
Powell has recently taken the internet by storm since the release of Anyone But You (2023) as leading man material, but some may be more familiar with his work in Netflix rom-com Set It Up (2018), as arrogant Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), or as far back as 2003 in Spy Kids: Game Over. Each performance shows he’s a charismatic co-star; in this case, a multifaceted character with those depths to make Twisters more than just your average action flick.
Powell excels as the misinterpreted YouTube star, ‘tornado wrangler’ Tyler Owens. And with an ensemble to support his ventures, comedy is rife despite the traumatic aftermath that sometimes follows the tornadoes. Ben (Harry Hadden-Paton) adds some necessary relief, the singular Brit in the mass of characters; he sticks out and endearingly fulfils the stereotypical role amid the Oklahoma-natives. Brandon Perea as Boone, Tyler’s sidekick, is also a particular standout, providing some subtle exposition for Owen’s growing presence in the story.
But Twisters does have its weaknesses. An elusive mayor and another corruptible character, Scott (David Corenswet), are minimal presences in the film, so much so that the corruption doesn’t have the weight it deserves.Though necessary to showcase Kate and her growth in the narrative, a greater focus on the morally-corrupt characters and their effect would do much for the overall story.
The same could be said for Anthony Ramos as Javi. He gives off an entertaining performance in the initial sequences, and conveys yearning for a fresh start with Kate during the entirety, but the character leaves much to be desired. With little backstory or friendships for himself, Ramos falls to the wayside and serves only to prop up the lead. Though expected, it means sequences with Ramos have you yearning for more depth.
Twisters recognises the very real damages to property and people, and curates a more poignant story for it. The technological advancements around tornadoes since the original Twister are remarkable; we see firsthand how science has changed the way people are alerted about tornados, receiving alerts via phone. Although the film may glamorise the high-risk nature of tornado-chasing, it also highlights the work being done to help the communities being impacted by these disasters. It’s the people directly affected, like Kate, Tyler, and Javi, who will make a difference.
Though tropes and action conventions are in abundance, meaning you definitely can envisage where the plot is heading, it doesn’t mean the ride isn’t just as tumultuous and exciting for it. Twisters has some fresh moments, and it’s easy to remain on the edge of your seat awaiting the next step in this intense chase. Ultimately, it’s a thrill-seeking, heroic journey, with a scientific plot that never feels inaccessible.
The Verdict
Twisters is made for the cinemas and, though conventional, shows just how magnetic action thrillers can be—especially when led by a charismatic cast such as this one.
Words by Annabel Smith
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