Anna Daniels
Revisiting Spielberg’s Impact on the Climax of “Twisters”
The movie “Twisters” has made a big impact since its recent release, drawing attention from both audiences and critics. While a particular scene involving Glen Powell garnered attention, it was the ending of the film that really got people talking. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung and starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, “Twisters” is a nostalgic nod to 1990s blockbuster films. However, one notable trope from that era is notably absent: the romantic kiss.
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead for the Ending of “Twisters”
In the movie’s climax, Tyler Owens (played by Powell) rushes to prevent Kate Cooper (portrayed by Edgar-Jones) from boarding a flight back home. Instead of concluding with a typical romantic kiss, the scene ends with the pair dashing off to chase another storm, symbolizing their shared passion and ongoing journey together. This creative decision sparked discussions among viewers, especially after it was revealed that a kiss had originally been filmed but later removed.
Director Lee Isaac Chung shared with EW that the decision to omit the kiss was tested with audiences and met with mixed reactions. Chung mentioned, “I feel like audiences nowadays have different expectations regarding romantic gestures in films.” He believed that having a kiss at the end would detract from Kate’s character development, making her journey appear solely focused on romance. The chosen ending, instead, lends more depth and purpose to her character.
Chung’s choice was supported by Steven Spielberg, one of the film’s producers, who proposed removing the kiss. In an interview with Collider, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell acknowledged Spielberg’s impact. Edgar-Jones commented, “I think avoiding the kiss prevents the film from feeling too clichéd… Their story doesn’t end here. Their bond is based on a shared passion for something.” Powell added, “A kiss would not be in line with the ultimate goal of the movie… It’s a valuable note from Spielberg.”
“Twisters” is currently showing in theaters, demonstrating how deliberate creative decisions can reshape traditional storytelling, appealing to contemporary audiences while paying tribute to classic blockbusters. With a talented cast and the guidance of industry veterans like Spielberg, the film offers an exciting experience that avoids falling into predictable patterns. Make sure not to miss this enthralling journey that leaves space for imagination and more storms to conquer.
