Climate Change Avoided in Twisters Movie Sparks Controversy

Amidst a backdrop of extreme weather events hitting the US, the upcoming film ‘Twisters‘ is set to hit theaters soon. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the movie, which notably revolves around storm chasers investigating powerful tornadoes, steers clear of mentioning climate change.

In a recent statement, Chung mentioned that while he believes cinema should reflect reality, he intentionally avoided incorporating the topic of climate change into the narrative of ‘Twisters’. He emphasized his view that films shouldn’t be overly message-driven.

‘Twisters’ is positioned as a sequel that sees an escalation of tornado activity, hinting at a narrative that mirrors the current scenario of extreme weather events being experienced in various parts of the United States. Tracing the journey of storm chasers grappling with unique and destructive tornadoes, the film opts to sidestep the discussion around climate change, much to the surprise of many.

Despite Chung’s assertion that the characters’ discussions on altering weather patterns and conditions subtly address the changing climate, the omission of the term ‘climate change’ has sparked debate. Scientists have long highlighted the link between climate change and heightened storm activity, making the absence of this discourse in ‘Twisters’ notably glaring.

With ongoing research indicating the influence of climate change on the frequency and intensity of tornado-producing storms, ‘Twisters’ faces criticism for not delving into this critical aspect. The decision to steer clear of the climate change conversation, especially in the face of the current environmental challenges, adds a layer of controversy to the film’s impending release on July 19th.