Twister: Caught in the Storm brings Joplin tornado’s devastation and survival stories to Netflix

Netflix’s latest documentary, The Twister: Caught in the Storm, provides a harrowing look at the EF-5 tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011. Directed by Alexandra Lacey, known for acclaimed projects such as Tinder Swindler and Three Identical Strangers, the film offers a gripping recounting of the disaster that claimed 161 lives and left over 1,000 injured.

The documentary follows a group of young survivors whose high school graduation day turned into a nightmare. With wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the tornado cut a destructive path through 13 miles of the city, leaving behind widespread devastation. The Twister features real-life footage captured by Joplin residents, immersing viewers in the storm’s raw and terrifying power.

According to the film’s synopsis, “This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, yet its community overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope.” The documentary highlights deeply personal accounts, including a high school football captain who aided in rescue efforts, a young employee who watched his workplace collapse, and storm chasers who barely escaped with their lives.

The documentary’s release coincides with recent deadly tornado outbreaks across the Midwest and South, adding to its timely significance. The Twister: Caught in the Storm will be available on Netflix starting March 19, 2025, at 2 a.m. CST. A Netflix subscription is required, with plans starting at $7.99 per month.

Through firsthand testimonies and immersive footage, The Twister serves as both a chilling reminder of nature’s power and a testament to human resilience in the face of disaster.