The highly anticipated storm-chasing sequel, Twisters, has been receiving positive reviews and is currently sitting at an impressive 84 percent “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film follows an unprecedented outbreak of violent storms tearing through the American heartland, with characters immersed in meteorological jargon. However, one notable absence in the film is any reference to climate change.
The impact of climate change on tornadoes is a complex and evolving topic. While scientists agree that tornado patterns are shifting, with more tornadoes occurring on the same days and outside of traditional Tornado Alley, the overall number of tornadoes remains relatively unchanged. The American Red Cross has also noted that the climate crisis is leading to an increase in large disasters, underscoring the potential link between extreme weather events and climate change.
In a movie set in 2024 about an unprecedented tornado outbreak, a reference to climate change could have added a layer of realism and urgency. By incorporating actual study statistics and projections, the film could have highlighted the potential consequences of global warming on severe weather events. This would have provided a sense of “this could really happen” to the otherwise thrilling popcorn movie experience.
Director Lee Isaac Chung, however, opted to steer clear of any overt messaging about climate change in Twisters. He emphasized the importance of portraying the changing reality on the ground without veering into preachiness. While a character in the film mentions the increasing frequency of storms and floods, the topic of climate change is deliberately left out to avoid alienating viewers or appearing too didactic.
Chung’s approach reflects a desire to present a realistic depiction of the world without imposing a specific message on the audience. He believes that cinema should serve as a reflection of society rather than a platform for advocacy. In a time of heightened polarization, where even mentioning climate change can be divisive, the decision to focus on the human drama of storm-chasing without delving into the politics of climate change may be a strategic move to appeal to a wider audience.
Ultimately, Twisters offers a thrilling and immersive experience into the world of storm-chasing, with a focus on the human stories amidst the chaos of nature’s fury. While the absence of a direct reference to climate change may be noticeable to some viewers, the film’s commitment to authenticity and storytelling shines through. As audiences flock to theaters to witness the adrenaline-pumping action of Twisters, they are reminded of the unpredictable power of nature and the resilience of those who dare to chase the storm.