Netflix viewers are rushing to watch a 'must-see' documentary about a devastating tornado that left 158 people dead. On the evening of Sunday, May 22, 2011, a massive tornado struck the city of Joplin, Missouri in the United States. The 'extremely violent' tornado unfolded for nearly an hour, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. By the time it had dissipated, over 4,000 buildings, including one of the local hospitals, had been razed, with the damage adding up to around $2.8 billion (£2.16 billion), making it the costliest tornado in U.S. history. Tragically, more than 150 people were killed, while 1,150 others were injured. Now, a new Netflix documentary, The Twister: Caught in the Storm, is detailing the shocking natural disaster.
The synopsis for the program explains: 'Set against a backdrop of end-of-the-world predictions on May 22, 2011, this coming-of-age documentary is told from the perspective of a group of young people in Joplin, Missouri, as they encounter the extreme power of mother nature when a rare EF-5 monster mile-wide tornado hits their hometown on their high school graduation day. 'In the fierce 200 mph winds of the twister, they discover the power of their resilience as they fight for survival – each with transformative stories spurred by their experiences of that day. 'This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin and yet it overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope. The film features adrenaline-inducing real-life footage filmed by people in Joplin, taking us into the eye of the storm.'
Released this week, viewers have wasted no time tuning in and sharing their thoughts on the retelling. 'An absolute must see. This documentary puts you in the shoes of the survivors of this horrific event. I never get anxiety from watching movies, but this wasn’t a movie, which made it worse and gave me anxiety,' a viewer named Joel posted on Rotten Tomatoes. 'Really well done and different. Not your typical natural disaster documentary. It brings you into the lives and thoughts of the people featured. I felt true fear for them while watching this,' added another viewer. 'Riveting is an appropriate adjective, since I was simply curious when I started it, but quickly became riveted to my seat. The accounts of the teen survivors who were in the tornado, and I do mean IN, talk about the experience of a tornado, not just the usual dry statistics or images of the aftermath,' remarked Bob.
Critics have also praised this immersive documentary. A review in Paste noted, 'The Twister leaves you shivering at the thought of man’s insignificance against the sheer power of the natural world, with a brief denouement for reflection and healing in the wake of catastrophe.' Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, writer and director Alexandra Lacey discussed the challenges of sharing the survivors' experiences. 'It was a difficult prospect to find the characters and make sure that we were treating each one of them the right way and making them feel comfortable to tell their story. What really struck me was the lasting mental health impact on the folks there in Joplin. Every time the wind gets stronger, or the sirens go… it’s really hard.'
This documentary captures the immense destruction and the terrifying power of the storm, providing a close-up perspective on one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. Steven Weersing, one of the survivors portrayed in the film, has a particularly harrowing story. Known as 'Miracle Boy,' he survived being pulled out of his car by the tornado and being tossed into the swirling winds. However, the storm left him with a nightmarish medical condition: he contracted Apophysomyces trapeziformis, a rare flesh-eating fungus.
According to reports, Weersing described how the rare fungus, spread by the storm picking up infected soil and organic matter, required him to have portions of his skin, ribs, lungs, and even heart removed to save his life. The documentary raises awareness of the lasting effects of such natural disasters on survivors, emphasizing the physical and psychological traumas that they endure.
Weersing’s story, while extraordinary, underscores the everyday horrors that can emerge from natural disasters. As he tells of his ordeal, he represents many who have faced life-altering challenges because of the storm, highlighting the significance of highlighting survivor stories even years after the event.
Such personal accounts are vital not only for building empathy towards the survivors but also for reinforcing the need for disaster preparedness. As climate change continues to influence the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as tornadoes, documentaries like The Twister: Caught in the Storm remind us of the unpredictable nature of these forces.
With the documentary now streaming on Netflix, audiences are encouraged to gain insight into the realities of living through a natural disaster. It’s both a cautionary tale and an inspiring testament to the resilience of those who have faced calamities of such magnitude. As Joplin has rebuilt and continued to heal, the documentary serves as both a memory of a tragic past and a promise of hope for a better future.
