Early Twisters reactions are calling it the 'film of the summer'

Twisters has dazzled critics following its star-studded European premiere in London on Monday, 8 July, which was attended by none other than Hollywood legend Tom Cruise.

Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the blockbuster follows retired tornado-chaser Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Javi (Anthony Ramos) as they return to the dangerous world of tornado hunting alongside a charming, risk-taking influencer named Tyler Owens (Glen Powell). The film is a sequel to Jan de Bont's 1996 disaster movie, which follows a group set on deploying a tornado research device led by Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton's Jo and Bill Harding.

The critics who were able to see the film early were beside themselves over it, with several saying that the 2024 summer blockbuster season would be defined by Twisters more than anything else that has come before it, or will be released after.

HeyUGuys' Scott Davis shared his initial thoughts of the film on X, saying: "Didn’t think I’d write this but #Twisters might just be my favourite film of the summer & one of faves of 2024. Thrilling and exciting in all the best ways - and tonnes of fun - as well as fab turns from Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glenn Powell, it’s gonna blow the theatrical roof off!"

Read more: What we know about Twisters

Total Film's Emily Murray felt similarly about the film, writing: "If you want a great summer blockbuster this year, #TwistersMovie more than has you covered. Great fun, led by charming duo Edgar-Jones and Powell, it’s also unafraid to take risks Glad I watched the original before as there’s neat callbacks - I feel this is a better film though!"

The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey added to the general sentiment around the film by saying: "2024 is the summer of TWISTERS, strap in baby".

Commending the director's approach to making a sequel that adds to what came before rather than focus solely on rebooting it for a new generation, The Hollywood Reporter's Brian Davids wrote: "Lee Isaac Chung's TWISTERS is everything you want in a summer movie.

"It's also the rare legacy sequel that doesn't shoehorn all the tropes that tend to come with franchise reboots. Glen Powell does plenty of Glen Powell things—but this is Daisy Edgar-Jones' moment."

ExpressFM's Jon Brown also commended Powell and Edgar-Jones for their performances in the film, writing: "#Twisters is a beautifully shot, heartfelt story woven into the tapestry of a good old fashioned Summer blockbuster #film. It is both a compelling drama and a rip roaring adventure with dynamic performances from @DaisyEdgarJones & @glenpowell & co that is sure to go down a storm!"

The Twisters premiere was a star-studded occasion, with Cruise helping to promote the blockbuster by supporting his Top Gun: Maverick co-star Powell.

The action legend's attendance at the event created much discussion amongst those lucky enough to attend, and the actor ensured he helped promote the film by posing with Powell for an Instagram post. In his social media post, Cruise wrote: "Fun night with friends, watching a movie!!".

Read more: Everything we know about Top Gun 3

Powell, Edgar-Jones and Ramos all attended the premiere too, and the cast were dressed to the nines for the special occasion.

Twisters premiers in cinemas on Wednesday, 17 July.