Shocking: Netflix’s The Twister Reveals the Horrifying True Cost of Nature

The Fury of Nature

How the documentary captures the intensity and powerlessness of being in the midst of a natural disaster

On any given morning, millions of Americans step out of their doors heedless of the elemental truth that supposed technological mastery of the planet has minimized from our consciousness: We are not in control of the most basic facets of our worldly experience. Sure, we can say with some degree of certainty that the day will entail driving to work, going through the motions of our jobs, etc. But when dueling cold fronts and warm fronts collide in just the right way? When the incalculable powers of the natural world are channeled, and decide to drop a vortex above your head that rips that fragile building to pieces while you cower inside it? Well, in that moment there’s really not much you can do but accept your utter powerlessness and be humbled.

It’s the kind of moment that, because it’s both fleeting and terrifying, is rarely captured on camera. But Netflix’s new documentary film The Twister: Caught in the Storm does manage to bring together some of those rare moments, and the distance of more than a decade has done nothing to dull their intensity. What we have here are basically dispatches from the end of the world.

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That kind of apocalyptic imagery is a focal point for The Twister, owing to the time and place of its centerpiece storm and EF-5 tornado, which tragically demolished much of the small city of Joplin, Missouri on Sunday, May 22, 2011, killing more than 150 people.

In a way, residents of the highly religious, evangelical community had already been on a sort of spiritual high alert: The day earlier, May 21, 2011 had been the day claimed as the date of the “end of the world” by well-known televangelist Harold Camping, who had convinced many of his followers to prepare for the Rapture.

Simultaneously, a certain pop culture fascination with the end times had been bubbling up, tied into the so-called 2012 phenomenon attached to the supposed end of the Mayan long count calendar, as depicted on the big screen in Roland Emmerich’s disaster film 2012.

This potent blend of conspiratorial thinking, satire and Christian millennialism already had the graduating high school class of Joplin referring to themselves as the “class of the apocalypse,” according to some of the people interviewed.

The night before the tornado, many of those students partied and drank late into the night, ironically celebrating the supposed end of the world, unaware that the city of Joplin really would be turned upside down some 17 hours later.

Our experience of The Twister is told specifically through these eyes: Those of young people in Joplin who were attending their own high school graduation that Sunday as the storm approached, or had recently graduated.

It’s an interesting narrowing of focus for the documentary, which could have just as easily involved a full cross-section of the town. Instead, by focusing on people who were largely teens or in their early 20s at the time, The Twister has selected subjects for whom the storm and the tornado were even more formative events: For many, perhaps the dividing line between “childhood” and a sober adulthood they were thrust into as their homes were destroyed or loved ones were killed.

The talking heads here still are something of a cultural cross-section for the young residents of Joplin, and illustrate the differing experiences that people in town had during the tornado, dependent largely upon the dice roll of their precise physical location.

There’s the captain of the high school football team, who left graduation in time to avoid the tornado by being on the outskirts of Joplin, and then returned to help in the immediate rescue efforts.

There’s the kid who was working in a frozen yogurt shop, only to watch his workplace destroyed around him.

There’s the trio of storm-chasing friends who found themselves hauling ass as the twister bore down on them, taking shelter in a convenience store that was subsequently ripped apart (they survived).

The Twister’s Impact on Joplin, Missouri

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On any given morning, millions of Americans step out of their doors heedless of the elemental truth that supposed technological mastery of the planet has minimized from our consciousness: We are not in control of the most basic facets of our worldly experience.

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A City in Ruins

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, leaving an indelible mark on the city and its residents. The storm, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph, decimated approximately 25% of the city’s homes, destroyed or damaged 7,000 buildings, and left a trail of devastation that was both visually and emotionally staggering. The tornado’s path was approximately three-quarters of a mile wide, stretching for about six miles, making it one of the most destructive tornadoes in U.S. history.

The impact on the city was catastrophic. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and businesses were obliterated, and the landscape was transformed into a scene of utter desolation. The Joplin High School, where many students were preparing for their graduation, was severely damaged, highlighting the unpredictable and indiscriminate nature of the storm.

Structural Damage

The physical destruction was immense. The tornado’s funnel cloud, measuring up to two miles wide at its peak, left a swath of destruction that was both extensive and profound. Buildings were flattened, cars were tossed like toys, and even concrete structures were reduced to piles of debris. The Joplin Regional Medical Center, a critical healthcare facility, was hit directly, leading to significant loss of life and injury.

In total, the tornado caused $2.8 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest tornadoes in U.S. history. The sheer scale of the destruction is a testament to the raw, unyielding power of nature when it strikes with unparalleled force.

Residential Devastation

Residential areas were particularly hard hit. Entire subdivisions were wiped off the map, leaving families homeless and communities shattered. The storm’s path cut through the heart of Joplin, affecting both urban and suburban areas. For many residents, the tornado was a life-altering event that shattered their sense of security and normalcy.

One poignant example is the story of the Elam family, who lost their home and two family members. Their story, like many others, underscores the personal and emotional toll of such a disaster. The Elams, like thousands of others, had to rebuild not just their homes, but their lives from the ground up.

Economic Impact

The economic impact on Joplin was severe. Small businesses, which are the backbone of the local economy, were decimated. Many entrepreneurs lost not only their livelihoods but also their homes and personal belongings. The tornado’s aftermath saw a massive influx of relief efforts, but the road to recovery was long and arduous.

The city had to rebuild not just physically but also economically. The destruction of commercial properties and the displacement of workers created a ripple effect that took years to recover from. The community’s resilience, however, was evident in the efforts to rebuild and restore Joplin to its former vibrancy.

The Human Cost

The human cost of the Joplin tornado was devastating. With 158 confirmed fatalities, it was the deadliest tornado in the United States since 1950. The loss of life was not just a number; it was a reflection of the countless individual tragedies that played out across the city.

Stories of Loss

Among the most heart-wrenching stories is that of Michael Simpson, a young man who was working at the Joplin Regional Medical Center when the tornado hit. Michael and his colleagues were on the front lines, trying to save lives while their own building crumbled around them. Tragically, Michael lost his life, but his story serves as a reminder of the heroism and sacrifice that emerged from the chaos.

Another poignant story is that of the Park family, who lost their daughter Sarah in the storm. Sarah was a cheerleader at Joplin High School and was preparing for her graduation. Her death cast a shadow over the community, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives cut short by the tornado.

Stories of Survival

Amidst the devastation, stories of survival and resilience emerged. One such story is that of Christopher Lucas, who was working at a frozen yogurt shop near the high school. As the tornado approached, Christopher huddled in a small bathroom with his coworkers. Miraculously, they survived, but the shop was destroyed, and Christopher’s life was forever changed.

Another remarkable survival story is that of the trio of storm-chasing friends who found themselves in the path of the tornado. They sought shelter in a convenience store, which was eventually ripped apart. Despite the chaos, they managed to survive, thanks to a combination of quick thinking and sheer luck.

Community Resilience

The resilience of the Joplin community is a testament to the human spirit. In the aftermath of the tornado, neighbors helped each other, volunteers flocked to the city, and the community came together to support those in need. The outpouring of support from across the nation was a lifeline for Joplin, helping the city to begin the long process of recovery.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the community’s response was the way young people stepped up. High school students who had just graduated or were about to graduate became first responders, volunteers, and advocates for their community. Their involvement was not just a response to tragedy but a catalyst for personal growth and community healing.

The Documentary’s Unique Perspective

A Focus on Youth

One of the standout features of The Twister: Caught in the Storm is its focus on young people. By centering the narrative around the experiences of teens and young adults, the documentary adds a layer of emotional depth and immediacy to the story. These young individuals were on the cusp of adulthood when the tornado struck, and the storm’s impact was profound, often serving as a brutal initiation into the harsh realities of life.

The documentary includes interviews with students who were graduating from Joplin High School just days before the tornado. Their perspectives offer a raw and unfiltered look at the tragedy. For many, the tornado was not just a natural disaster but a life-altering event that forced them to confront mortality, loss, and the fragility of life at a tender age.

One compelling example is the story of the high school football team captain, who left his graduation early to help with rescue efforts. His decision to prioritize helping others over personal safety highlights the maturity and bravery that emerged from the tragedy. For him and his peers, the tornado was a defining moment that shaped their identities and outlooks on life.

Capturing the Apocalypse

The Twister: Caught in the Storm is replete with apocalyptic imagery and themes, reflecting the sheer magnitude and destructive power of the tornado. The documentary captures the tornado’s path through Joplin, showcasing the devastation with haunting visuals that convey the raw, unfiltered power of nature. These images are not just aesthetic; they serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of human existence in the face of natural forces.

The film’s use of apocalyptic themes is significant in the context of the storm. The tornado struck Joplin just days after Harold Camping had proclaimed May 21, 2011, as the “end of the world.” This unsettling coincidence added a layer of psychological and spiritual turmoil to the community, which was already on edge due to the impending Mayan calendar’s supposed end date. The documentary does not shy away from exploring these themes, offering a nuanced look at the intersection of faith, fear, and reality.

The apocalyptic imagery in the documentary is not just a visual spectacle; it is a reflection of the community’s psychological state. The tornado’s impact was so profound that it felt like the end of the world for many. The documentary captures this sense of dread and helplessness, providing a poignant commentary on the human experience in the face of overwhelming natural forces.

In conclusion, The Twister: Caught in the Storm is a powerful and poignant documentary that highlights the horrific power of nature. Through its focus on young people and its use of apocalyptic imagery, the film offers a unique and emotionally resonant perspective on the Joplin tornado. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the enduring impact of natural disasters on communities.