The original Twister movie, released nearly 30 years ago, depicted storm chasers encountering unprecedented weather events in Tornado Alley. Fast forward to the present day, and extreme weather is no longer a rare occurrence in this region. In the sequel, Twisters, thrill-seeking individuals like Glen Powell’s character, Tyler Owens, have turned storm chasing into a business, with groups like the Tornado Wranglers seeking to not just catch up with storms, but to master them.
The stakes in Twisters are raised as meteorologist Kate Cooper aims to “tame” tornadoes using hyperabsorbent materials. Despite technological advancements, the methods used to combat storms still involve risky maneuvers and unproven solutions. The film reflects the real-world challenges of dealing with increasingly destructive weather events, which are exacerbated by rising global temperatures.
Director Lee Isaac Chung’s approach in Twisters is to avoid explicitly addressing climate change, instead focusing on the characters’ attempts to control the storms. This reflects a common sentiment that science will find a solution to the problem. However, geoengineering solutions, like those proposed in the movie, come with their own set of risks and uncertainties.
While the characters in Twisters may find a way to combat the storms in the movie, the reality of climate change is far more complex. Geoengineering solutions are not a quick fix and may have unforeseen consequences. The movie’s climax, where a small-town movie theater is torn apart by a storm, serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming nature of the climate crisis.
In conclusion, Twisters raises important questions about our approach to dealing with extreme weather events and the broader issue of climate change. While the movie offers a hopeful message that science can overcome challenges, it also serves as a reminder that the solutions to these complex problems are not easy or straightforward. As we continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of our actions and the need for sustainable solutions.