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A Refreshing Omission in Lee Isaac Chung’s ‘Twisters’

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Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters is an exhilarating action, adventure, and thriller film that follows a group of storm chasers pursuing tornadoes across the Midwest. The film combines thrilling action sequences with heartfelt character arcs, exploring the dynamic relationships among the team members.

Led by determined meteorologist Kate (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones), they navigate the treacherous landscapes of severe weather while battling external elements and their personal struggles. Each character brings a unique background and personality to the mission, showcasing their individual motivations and fears.

The film captivates audiences with stunning visual effects that depict the raw power of nature while also delving into themes of teamwork and resilience. As the storm chasers face increasingly perilous situations, the story highlights the strength of human connection amidst chaos, making Twisters a compelling blend of excitement and emotional depth.

In the days since the film’s release on July 19th, it’s garnered over $80.5 million at the box office—-and counting. The film was already gaining popularity before its release, though, and part of that was due to some set footage that began circling social media. It showed Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell’s (who played Tyler Owens) characters sharing a passionate kiss.

Fans were disappointed when the kiss didn’t make the final cut. The trailers hinted at the romantic tension and chemistry between the two main characters, and the video only further exhibited where fans thought the relationship was heading. In the end, Tyler and Kate simply walk off together, leaving the rest of their relationship up to the audience’s interpretation.

But why? Why not end with the kiss, something many of us would expect?

The decision to omit the final kiss scene in the movie Twisters was rooted in Lee Isaac Chung’s vision to maintain a focus on the film’s overarching themes rather than succumb to conventional romantic tropes. By leaving out this moment, Chung aimed to emphasize the characters’ growth and the challenges they faced together, reinforcing the idea that the film is more about teamwork, survival, and resilience in the face of nature’s wrath.

As Edgar-Jones said in a Collider interview, “I think it stops the film feeling too clichéd, actually. I think there’s something really wonderful about it feeling like there’s a continuation. This isn’t the end of their story. They’re united by their shared passion for something.”

Powell also added, “I also think that this movie is not about them finding love. It’s returning Kate to the thing that she loves, which is storm chasing.”

The intentional choice allows audiences to leave with a sense of camaraderie and enduring friendship rather than a typical romantic conclusion, inviting viewers to reflect on the deeper bonds formed through shared experiences. This artistic decision ultimately positions Twisters as a unique narrative that prioritizes character development over conventional storytelling clichés.