Twisters’ ending is missing one important thing

As a film critic with a background in gender studies, I’ve spent years observing and analyzing how sexuality is portrayed on screen. Having grown up in Europe, where nudity and sex are more openly discussed and depicted in cinema, I found myself often disappointed by the lack of authentic representation in Hollywood productions.

Twisters spoilers follow

The anticipated follow-up to “Twister,” titled “Twisters,”, delivers heart-pounding scenes of tornado pursuits and a deep exploration of the devastation these natural wonders inflict.

In this film, the tension is as intense as an F5 tornado, yet by the finale, a lingering query remains: why don’t Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell’s characters share a kiss despite hours of provocative flirting? Why is it that this enemies-to-lovers narrative falls short in delivering the emotional intimacy characteristic of genuine human connections, ultimately leading to an underwhelming conclusion?

In the filming process, a genuine kiss was captured on camera (evidenced by a leaked video), regrettably, it wasn’t included in the final version of the movie that was released.

As someone who has spent years studying and analyzing the film industry, I’ve come to notice a peculiar trend that might seem insignificant at first glance. It’s not uncommon for critics or audiences to dismiss certain requests or complaints about Hollywood productions as frivolous or unnecessary. But I believe that these seemingly trivial issues often point to a deeper, more intriguing phenomenon in today’s cinematic landscape.

Sex in Hollywood today either is non-existent, an afterthought or treated like a boring chore.

In the highly acclaimed film “Dune: Part Two” from 2024, the characters Paul Atreides, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, and Chani, played by Zendaya, develop a deep connection while they are stationed in Arrakis. Although we witness them sharing a first kiss in the sand dunes and a scene where they appear to have spent an intimate night together, their passion is not evident on screen. Instead, these scenes aim to convey their intense feelings for each other, leaving the audience to trust that their connection goes beyond what’s shown.

This year’s hit movie, “The Fall Guy,” features Ryan Gosling as Cole and Emily Blunt as Jody, who not only have an undeniable on-screen connection but also exchange several passionate kisses. The film, however, has a comedic tone and lacks any genuinely sensual moments.

In the film “Furiosa,” a prequel to “Mad Max” with Anya Taylor-Joy as the titled character and Tom Burke portraying Praetorian Jack, their connection runs deep but remains strictly non-romantic.

The current Marvel Cinematic Universe superheroes, metaphorically speaking, seem to lack some allure and charisma; adding more sexuality to Hollywood blockbusters could bring back that captivating edge.

According to a study conducted by film data analyst Stephen Follows, as reported in The Economist, out of the 250 top-grossing US movies since the year 2000, approximately 40% less sexually explicit content was present compared to earlier decades. Furthermore, the proportion of films without any sexual content whatsoever has significantly increased from 20% annually to nearly 50%.

In the realm of mid-range and independent films, some intriguing movies have emerged, tackling sexuality in unique ways – take “Challengers,” for instance, which subtly turned tennis into an alluring spectacle, or “Poor Things,” which fearlessly delved into the subject with raw honesty, and even romantic comedies such as “The Idea of You” that still cling to a hint of intimacy, reminiscent of Hollywood’s past.

Glen Powell has been making movies sexier lately with his romantic roles, such as in “Anyone But You” with Sydney Sweeney and “Hit Man” with Adria Arjona. Essentially, he’s single-handedly reviving the allure on screen.

Linklater actually had some thoughts on how the industry is deliberately ignoring sex.

I’ve noticed a shift in Hollywood lately, feeling more like a playground than a mature film industry. Seems that’s what audiences have been buying into for quite some time now. (Spoken after releasing Hit Man, during an interview with Digital Spy)

“According to Linklater, cinema excels at portraying sex and violence. Historically, sex has been a major drawing card for audiences, yet Hollywood seems to have shied away from this recently. Instead, they’ve introduced sexless characters, such as superheroes, who lack both sexuality and genitalia.”

In recent films like “All of Us Strangers” and those depicting historical periods such as “Fair Play” and “Saltburn,” there are significantly fewer sex scenes compared to the past. However, the few sexually explicit moments that do appear are more forward-thinking and pioneering than before.

So why is sex such a touchy topic for big-budget movies?

In today’s world, both financial gains and social/political considerations play important roles. For instance, producing a movie without explicit sexual content broadens its audience, making it financially beneficial. However, in light of the #MeToo movement, it is crucial to take into account the social and political implications as well.

Nudity and sexual scenes on film have historically been shaped from a male perspective, often featuring excessive displays of (primarily female) nakedness that mask underlying tales of mistreatment, both in front of and behind the camera.

Today, actors have greater control over setting limits, be it through meticulously crafted agreements in contracts or the valuable assistance of intimacy consultants.

Modern sex scenes are subjected to greater examination nowadays, as some believe their addition to films is unnecessary or unwarranted. In contrast, the prevalence of graphic violence in many Hollywood productions raises more alarm.

According to certain research, members of Gen Z have expressed a preference for less sexual content in films and television. In fact, over half (51%) of those polled indicated a liking for platonic relationships and friendships, while nearly half (47.5%) believed that sex was unnecessary in many narratives.

Regrettably, sex continues to be an essential component of life, and omitting it from the silver screen is unwarranted based on these arguments. Previous films have demonstrated that depicting sex need not revert to outdated methods.

Perhaps some filmmakers are still struggling to find the balance, or simply lack imagination.

Among all this, the case of Twisters is a curious one.

The film portrays the compelling relationship development between Kate Cooper, played by Edgar-Jones, and Tyler Owens, acted by Powell. Their witty exchanges undeniably carry an attractive spark.

From the get-go, we exchange flirtatious glances, fueled by an insatiable attraction. During trying times, I become her rock, and she mine. The endless hours spent in that barn honing our experiment, sharing meals with Maura Tierney’s warm presence, and brushing against the precipice of death – these shared experiences only serve to draw us closer together.

I was captivated by one particular moment when Kate marveled at a storm’s beauty, her voice filled with awe. In response, Tyler hesitated, on the verge of telling her that she herself was stunning.

Towards the end of the film, Tyler bids farewell to her at the airport. However, as she walks away, Tyler notices something holding him back. He observes intently before making up his mind to chase after her. To his surprise, he learns that her flight has been delayed, granting them an unexpected opportunity to spend more time together.

And then… nothing. No words, no emotions, no ‘You had me at hello’, no kiss.

We aren’t displeased by a subtle conclusion. On the contrary, we recognize how the film emphasizes the concept of “the thrill of the chase,” even alluding to similarities between the pursuit of tornados and Tyler’s pursuit of Kate.

Despite the unresolved ending in “Twisters,” leaving us feeling incomplete, it’s disconcerting knowing that finishing footage exists. The cause for this absence remains unknown, but it’s challenging not to view it as an indication of today’s less sensual Hollywood productions.

Twisters is now out in UK cinemas, and it’s arriving in US cinemas on July 19.

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2024-07-19 14:49