Twisters (2024) is a modern follow-up to the 1996 classic Twister, bringing new characters, new technology, and bigger tornado sequences while honoring the spirit of the original. Below is a complete, spoiler-filled guide covering every key aspect of the movie.
Detailed Summary
The Storm Research Setup
The film introduces Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a former storm-chasing prodigy whose career was derailed by a traumatic tornado incident years earlier. She now works with weather-data teams behind the scenes, convinced that field chasing is too dangerous. Her quiet life is interrupted when her old colleague Javi (Anthony Ramos) persuades her to return to the field for one last major operation.
The Rise of the “Tornado Wrangler” Crew
Kate’s return to Oklahoma puts her on a collision course with social-media-famous storm chaser Tyler Owens (Glen Powell). His team livestreams tornado encounters, treating each chase like an entertainment event, which irritates the more scientifically minded Kate and Javi. Their rivalry fuels both comedic tension and dramatically different philosophies about why people chase storms.
The Multiple Storm Threat
As a series of record-breaking superstorms pound the Midwest, both crews realize something unusual is happening. Tornadoes begin merging, splitting, and behaving unpredictably. Kate’s trauma resurfaces, but so does her old instinct for reading storms. Her knowledge becomes crucial as the teams try to deploy new weather-mapping technology capable of predicting deadly vortex behavior.
Human Stakes and Community Crisis
The film invests heavily in the communities affected by the storms—families, farms, small businesses, and emergency responders. Kate forms bonds with locals, while Tyler gradually transforms from a thrill-seeker into someone who recognizes the responsibility that comes with facing nature at its worst. These emotional stakes become vital as the storms worsen.
Movie Ending
The final act unleashes the most destructive storm system of the film: a massive, multi-vortex tornado complex threatening both the storm chasers and a densely populated town in its direct path.
Kate realizes that the only way to save the town is to launch their new atmospheric-mapping device into the very center of the largest funnel, enabling real-time prediction models that can guide an evacuation. However, the device can only deploy manually and at extremely close range.
Tyler volunteers to drive the vehicle carrying the device while Kate rides with him, using her intuitive storm-reading skills to navigate a path through the destruction. After a harrowing chase—flying debris, collapsing structures, and vehicles lifted like toys—they manage to reach the tornado’s core at the last second. The device activates successfully, transmitting data that allows emergency services to redirect civilians and save thousands.
Their truck is pulled toward the vortex, but they escape by clinging to a reinforced storm shelter door and are eventually thrown free as the tornado dissipates. The final moments show Kate and Tyler alive, battered, but triumphant.
The movie closes with the two teams joining forces and preparing for a future built around responsible storm research rather than dangerous spectacle. It’s a hopeful ending emphasizing collaboration, healing, and respect for nature’s power.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Twisters does not contain mid-credits or post-credits scenes. Once the credits begin, you’ve seen the entire story.
Type of Movie
Twisters is a disaster-action drama with strong emotional beats, character growth, and large-scale set pieces. It blends scientific tension with human stories, much like the original film.
Cast
- Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Cooper
- Glen Powell as Tyler Owens
- Anthony Ramos as Javi
- Brandon Perea as Boone
- Maura Tierney as Cathy
- Sasha Lane as Lily
- Kiernan Shipka as Addison
- Nik Dodani as Praveen
Film Music and Composer
The score is composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, whose sound combines sweeping orchestral themes with tense electronic pulses. The music enhances both the emotional moments and the massive storm sequences, especially during the climactic tornado chase.
Filming Locations
Twisters was filmed primarily in Oklahoma, Texas, and surrounding Midwestern states. These locations matter because:
- They accurately represent Tornado Alley, grounding the film in geographical realism.
- The expansive prairies allowed large-scale practical storm effects and gave the movie its sweeping cinematic look.
- Real small towns were used to highlight how actual communities face severe storm seasons.
The production mixed on-location shooting with CGI augmentation to create storms that feel both authentic and terrifying.
Awards and Nominations
As of now, the film has been noted for its visual effects, sound design, and practical stunt work, with early predictions expecting nominations in technical categories. Awards season results may expand this section.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Glen Powell spent time with real storm chasers to understand their culture and adrenaline-driven lifestyle.
- Directors avoided using only CGI; many sequences relied on massive wind machines, debris cannons, and practical stunt choreography.
- Daisy Edgar-Jones underwent training to perform scenes involving simulated high-wind environments reaching 100+ mph.
- Multiple chase vehicles were built from scratch to withstand practical on-set tornado effects.
- Cast and crew experienced actual severe weather during filming, temporarily halting production.
Inspirations and References
- The film draws direct inspiration from the original Twister (1996).
- Its story is influenced by real meteorological advancements in tornado prediction and Doppler radar technology.
- Tyler’s character nods to real “influencer chasers” who risk their lives for viral footage.
- Several design elements reference the “Dorothy” device from the 1996 film in spirit.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no drastically different ending is publicly documented, early test screenings reportedly included:
- A longer, more emotional epilogue showing Kate returning to storm research full time.
- Additional scenes expanding Javi’s backstory and his relationship with Kate.
- Extended destruction sequences that were trimmed to improve pacing.
These were removed to keep the film’s final act tightly focused on the central storm operation.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Twisters is not adapted from a novel, but it draws inspiration from the broader legacy of scientific tornado-chasing literature and research. Because it’s an original screenplay, there are no book-to-film differences.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Kate’s first return to storm-chasing after years away, showing her fear and intuition clashing.
- Tyler’s livestream chase where he realizes the storm is far stronger than expected.
- The nighttime tornado scene illuminated by power flashes and lightning.
- The final multi-vortex tornado sequence, one of the most intense storm scenes in modern cinema.
Iconic Quotes
- Kate: “A tornado isn’t just wind. It’s a story—and if you know how to read it, you can survive it.”
- Tyler: “People think I chase storms for the views. I chase them because I’ve seen what they can take away.”
- Javi: “Data saves lives. But only if someone’s brave enough to get close enough to collect it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- A subtle visual nod to the Twister (1996) “cow scene” appears during a wide tornado shot.
- Kate’s weather device includes design similarities to “Dorothy” from the original.
- The film briefly features a radio broadcast referencing Bill and Jo Harding, the protagonists of the 1996 movie.
- Storm-chaser vehicle names include in-jokes used by real chase teams.
Trivia
- Glen Powell performed many of his own stunt-driving sequences.
- The production used custom-built drones to film storm simulations.
- Over 40 fans, wind machines, and debris throwers were used simultaneously for the largest tornado set piece.
- The tornado sound design layers include recordings of lions, jet engines, and distorted wind tunnels.
Why Watch?
Because Twisters offers spectacular, high-intensity storm sequences, emotional depth, and a modern take on storm chasing that feels grounded yet thrilling. It’s both a love letter to the original and a standalone disaster epic. If you enjoy natural-disaster movies with character-driven storytelling, this is a must-see.
Director’s Other Works
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for:
- Minari (2020)
- Abigail Harm (2012)
- Lucky Life (2010)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Twister (1996)
- The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
- Into the Storm (2014)
- San Andreas (2015)
- Geostorm (2017)
