JOPLIN, Mo. – Almost 14 years after the deadly EF5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, Netflix released a documentary on March 19, 2025, highlighting the immense impact it had on the town and its residents. The hour-and-a-half long film, titled “The Twister: Caught in the Storm,” takes viewers into the lives of several individuals during the catastrophic event on May 22, 2011. The documentary recounts stories from various perspectives, including high school graduates and amateur storm chasers.
As the tornado approached, the citizens’ lives were thrown into chaos. The film captures heart-wrenching interviews from survivors who took a direct hit from the tornado, alongside meteorologists and reporters who worked tirelessly to alert the public that day. Numerous videos taken on cell phones or surveillance footage from that fateful day add to the documentary's authenticity.
“I looked up, and I saw a clear blue sky. We were in the eye, totally surrounded by chaos,” said a survivor named Kaylee, reflecting on the moment that changed everything for her and many others.
The Joplin tornado, one of the deadliest and most violent storms in modern history, killed more than 150 people and was nearly 1-mile wide, traversing over 20 miles. It produced catastrophic destruction, with an estimated 3 million cubic yards of debris left in its wake.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the tornado resulted in the loss of 158 lives and displaced approximately 9,200 residents after damaging around 4,000 homes and businesses. In total, an estimated 8,264 homes were affected, out of which about 4,380 were entirely destroyed, and 3,884 suffered serious damage.
The financial impact of the tornado was equally staggering. The destruction inflicted by the Joplin tornado is now recognized as the costliest tornado in U.S. history. Initial estimates placed the cost of damages at roughly $2.8 billion, which, when adjusted for inflation, rises to approximately $3.7 billion today. Additionally, in the aftermath, residents submitted upward of 19,000 insurance claims, with payouts estimated to be around $2 billion.
Steven Weersing, a notable survivor featured in the documentary, presents a uniquely personal narrative. At just 16 years old during the storm, he was ejected from his car as the tornado ripped through Joplin. “Then, I was just flying; I thought my life was over,” Weersing recalls, reflecting on his close brush with death.
Despite his miraculous survival, Steven faced a battle beyond the destruction of the storm itself. He contracted a rare, flesh-eating fungus known as zygomycosis, which occurred during his recovery. “Steven had about a 5% chance of survival,” said his friend Doug, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Doctors had to perform numerous surgeries, amputating part of Steven’s lung, several ribs, and tragically even a piece of his heart. Yet, against all odds, he survived, earning the title of 'miracle boy' among those who witnessed his struggle.
The documentary's director, Alexandra Lacey, characterized the experience of making this film as a profound journey. Lacey explained, “Anybody can relate to the importance of graduation,” as she highlighted how the tornado struck right during Joplin High School’s senior class graduation. By focusing on the coming-of-age experiences of those affected, Lacey captured the emotional weight of this tragedy.
Through its powerful storytelling, “The Twister: Caught in the Storm” dives deep into the trauma of surviving such a destructive event and showcases the community’s subsequent resilience. It utilizes over 6,000 archival clips and high-speed cinematography to immerse viewers in the chaos of the storm while revealing the psychological impact disasters can have on individuals. Lacey and her team underwent PTSD training to ensure they approached their interviews sensitively.
The film not only recounts the devastation but also emphasizes how the Joplin community came together in the aftermath. “Every time the wind gets stronger or sirens go off, it’s really hard,” Lacey noted, highlighting how Joplin residents still bear the emotional scars from that day.
As more viewers are drawn to the documentary, which quickly became the #1 most-watched movie on Netflix, social media reactions are overwhelmingly positive. “Highly, highly recommend the new #Netflix doc 'The Twister: Caught in the Storm', about the insane 2011 tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri,” wrote one viewer on Twitter.
This heartfelt chronology of survival sheds light not only on the destruction of the tornado but also on the extraordinary human spirit demonstrated in confronting adversity. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the impacts that disasters can leave on individuals and communities, highlighting lessons of resilience and compassion in the face of nature’s unforgiving wrath.
