Netflix’s Twister: Caught in the Storm Revisits Joplin Tornado

The powerful EF-5 tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, in 2011 is the focus of Netflix’s new documentary, The Twister: Caught in the Storm. The feature-length film, directed by Alexandra Lacey, tells the harrowing story of the tornado’s impact on the Joplin community, particularly a group of young people whose high school graduation day was forever changed by the disaster.

Ranked as the seventh deadliest tornado in U.S. history, the Joplin tornado struck on May 22, 2011, killing 161 people and injuring 1,000 others. The storm carved a 13-mile path of destruction through the city, with wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. The documentary features real-life footage captured by residents, immersing viewers in the chaos of the storm while also highlighting the resilience of the Joplin community in the aftermath.

“This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, and yet its community overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope,” the film’s synopsis states.

Alexandra Lacey, a UK-based filmmaker, has previously worked on acclaimed projects like American Nightmare and The Fake Sheikh. Her latest documentary arrives as the Midwest and South recover from a series of deadly tornadoes that swept through several states over the weekend, claiming at least 37 lives.

The Twister: Caught in the Storm is now available to stream on Netflix.