The film follows storm chasers Dr. Jo Harding (played by Helen Hunt) and her estranged husband, Bill Harding (played by Bill Paxton), who are leading separate teams pursuing tornadoes across Oklahoma. Jo is driven by her quest to deploy Dorothy, a groundbreaking tornado research device designed to study the inner workings of tornadoes, while Bill, who is about to finalize his divorce from Jo, is chasing tornadoes for his own reasons.
As they navigate the stormy landscape, tensions run high between Jo and Bill, exacerbated by their unresolved personal issues. However, their shared passion for tornadoes and scientific discovery eventually brings them back together.
In the midst of their storm chasing, Jo and Bill encounter their rival, Dr. Jonas Miller (played by Cary Elwes), who has stolen their design for Dorothy and is deploying it with his team. Determined to prove the effectiveness of their own research, Jo and Bill race against time to intercept a massive tornado and deploy Dorothy in its path.
In the climax of the film, Jo and Bill find themselves in the path of an F5 tornado, the most powerful category of tornado. As the deadly storm approaches, they face numerous obstacles and challenges, including a fuel tanker and a collapsing bridge. Despite the danger, they manage to deploy Dorothy and collect valuable data from inside the tornado before narrowly escaping its destructive path.
In the aftermath of the storm, Jo and Bill reconcile their differences and decide to pursue their shared passion for storm chasing together. They also express their love for each other, hinting at a possible reconciliation in their relationship.
“Twister” is praised for its groundbreaking visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and dynamic performances by Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. The film’s intense tornado scenes and high-octane action captivated audiences and cemented its status as a beloved classic in the disaster genre.