When Cinematic Cyclones Strike: ‘Twisters’ and the Allure of Disaster Movies

The cinematic fascination with tornadoes dates back to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in 1939. Since then, filmmakers have continuously found ways to captivate audiences with the raw power and destruction caused by these natural disasters. One notable example is the 1996 summer blockbuster ‘Twister’, directed by Jan de Bont, which spawned a new wave of tornado-themed movies. Now, 28 years later, a new installment, ‘Twisters’, arrives, promising to deliver the same thrills and adrenaline rush as its predecessor.

1996’s Twister, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton.

‘Twisters’ director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his work on ‘Minari’, takes a similar approach to sequel titling as ‘Aliens’, expanding on the world introduced in the first film without attempting to replicate it. The result is a bigger, more action-packed sequel that delves deeper into the human dramas that unfold in the face of catastrophic storms.

At the heart of ‘Twisters’ is Kate, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, a storm chaser haunted by a devastating personal loss in her past. She teams up with Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, to develop a portable military-grade radar system to create more accurate storm warnings for real estate developers seeking to build in tornado-ravaged areas. As they embark on their mission, they cross paths with a group of amateur storm chasers, led by the charismatic Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell.

The talented cast of Twisters, featuring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, and Glen Powell.

Chung’s mastery of small-town America and the terror of tornado warnings shines through in every frame. The film’s use of contemporary country tunes and a winsome lens on good old Americana adds to its charm. As Kate and Tyler face off against the fury of the storms, their motivations become clear: to save the people in these towns and their way of life.

Tornadoes leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

In an age where disaster movies continue to captivate audiences, ‘Twisters’ is a welcome addition to the genre. It’s a film that seamlessly blends action, drama, and suspense, creating a cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The unpredictable nature of tornadoes keeps us on the edge of our seats.

But ‘Twisters’ is not alone in its exploration of the human condition. Another film, ‘Dissociated State’, directed by Punk Zhang, presents a stark contrast to the adrenaline-fueled action of ‘Twisters’. This student film project from the School of Film at Chongqing University tells the story of Liang Guo, a subculture youth who finds herself forced to work in a factory, much to the dismay of her artistic inclinations.

The factory setting of Dissociated State serves as a backdrop for exploring the struggles of youth.

Through its arthouse approach, ‘Dissociated State’ conveys the tension between generations, as Liang Guo’s mother pressures her to abandon her artistic pursuits for a more stable job. The film’s meticulous framing and composition serve as a testament to Zhang’s attention to detail, capturing the inner turmoil of its protagonist.

The complex relationship between Liang Guo and her mother is at the heart of Dissociated State.

In a world where cinematic cyclones can strike at any moment, ‘Twisters’ and ‘Dissociated State’ offer two distinct perspectives on the human condition. While ‘Twisters’ thrills with its action-packed sequences, ‘Dissociated State’ presents a more nuanced exploration of the struggles of youth. Both films remind us that, in the face of uncertainty, it’s the human spirit that truly matters.

The human spirit perseveres in the face of uncertainty.