Spielberg's Subtle Storytelling Shines in "Twisters"

In a recent interview, stars Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones revealed how a single note from legendary director Steven Spielberg shaped the ending of their film "Twisters." The decision to forgo a traditional romantic kiss between their characters, despite their obvious chemistry, was a deliberate choice that elevated the movie's narrative and stayed true to the characters' passions.

Reinvigorating the Pursuit of Passion

Avoiding the Clichés

Daisy Edgar-Jones explained that Spielberg's note was instrumental in preventing the film from feeling too "clichéd." Instead of a predictable romantic conclusion, the ending focuses on the characters' shared love for storm chasing, a pursuit that has defined them throughout the story. This decision, according to Edgar-Jones, allows for a sense of continuation, hinting that the characters' journey is far from over.

Prioritizing Passion over Romance

Glen Powell echoed this sentiment, stating that the ending is not about the romance between the characters, but rather about "returning Kate (played by Edgar-Jones) to the thing that she loves, which is storm chasing." This shift in focus allows the film to celebrate the characters' passions and reinvigorate their sense of purpose, rather than relying on a traditional romantic resolution.

Spielberg's Masterful Storytelling

Powell praised Spielberg's note as a testament to the director's storytelling prowess, saying, "It's why that kid is still in this game. It's amazing." The decision to forgo the expected romantic conclusion in favor of a more nuanced and character-driven ending is a hallmark of Spielberg's filmmaking, which often prioritizes emotional authenticity over conventional narrative tropes.

Subverting Expectations

The ending of "Twisters" was somewhat unexpected, given the teaser footage that had been shared on TikTok, which hinted at a passionate kiss between the two lead characters. However, Powell explained that this would have been "unrepresentative of the right goal at the end of the movie," further emphasizing the importance of staying true to the characters' core motivations and the film's thematic focus.

Continuing the Journey

By leaving the characters' romantic future open-ended, the film creates a sense of anticipation and the promise of further exploration. As Edgar-Jones noted, the ending suggests that "this isn't the end of their story," allowing the audience to imagine the characters' continued growth and the potential for future developments in their relationship.

Celebrating the Pursuit of Passion

Ultimately, the decision to forgo a traditional romantic conclusion in "Twisters" is a testament to the film's commitment to celebrating the characters' passions and the power of pursuing one's dreams. This approach, guided by Spielberg's keen storytelling instincts, elevates the film beyond a simple romantic drama and invites the audience to reflect on the importance of following one's true calling, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges.