Netflix viewers ‘terrified’ tuning into new documentary about real-life natural disaster

Netflix viewers are being urged to watch a new documentary about a shocking natural disaster (Picture: Netflix)

Netflix viewers are rushing to watch a ‘must-see’ documentary about a devastating tornado that left 158 people dead.

On the evening of Sunday May 22, 2011, a massive tornado struck the city of Joplin, Missouri in the United States.

The ‘extremely violent’ tornado unfolded for nearly an hour, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

By the time it had dissipated over 4,000 buildings, including one of the local hospitals, had been razed, which the damage adding up to around $2.8 billion (£2.16 billion) and making it the costliest tornado in US history.

Tragically, many over 150 people were killed, while 1,150 others were injured too.

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Now, a new Netflix documentary – The Twister: Caught in the Storm – is detailing the shocking natural disaster.

Twister: Caught in the Storm details the deadly 2011 Joplin tornado (Picture: Netflix)

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The synopsis for the programme explains: ‘Set against a backdrop of end of the world predictions on May 22, 2011, this coming-of-age documentary is told from the perspective of a group of young people in Joplin, Missouri, as they encounter the extreme power of mother nature when a rare EF-5 monster mile-wide tornado hits their hometown, on high school graduation day.

‘In the fierce 200 mph winds of the twister, they discover the power of their resilience as they fight for survival – each with transformative stories spurred by their experiences of that day.

‘This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin and yet it overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope. The film features adrenaline-inducing real-life footage filmed by people in Joplin, taking us into the eye of the storm.’

More than 4,000 buildings were destroyed (Picture: Netflix)

Released this week, viewers have wasted no time tuning in and sharing what they thought of the retelling.

‘An absolute must see. This documentary puts you in the shoes of the survivors of this horrific event. I never get anxiety from watching movies, but this wasn’t a movie, which made it worse and gave me anxiety,’ Joel posted on Rotten Tomatoes.

‘Really well done and different. Not your typical natural disaster documentary. It brings you into the lives and thoughts of the people featured. I felt true fear for them while watching this,’ someone else shared.

The documentary follows a high school class who graduated just the day before the tornado hit(Picture: Netflix)

‘Riveting is an appropriate adjective, since I was simply curious when I started it, but quickly became riveted to my seat. The accounts of the teen survivors who were in the tornado, and I do mean IN, talk about the experience of a tornado, not just the usual dry statistics or images of the aftermath,’ Bob added.

Critics have also praised the documentary. Paste’s review read: ‘The Twister leaves you shivering at the thought of man’s insignificance against the sheer power of the natural world, with a brief denouement for reflection and healing in the wake of catastrophe.’

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, writer and director Alexandra Lacey spoke about finding people willing to share their experiences of the traumatic event.

‘It was a difficult prospect to find the characters and make sure that we were treating each one of them the right way and making them feel comfortable to tell their story. What really struck me was the lasting mental health impact on the folks there in Joplin. Every time the wind gets stronger, or the sirens go… It’s really hard.’

The Twister: Caught in the Storm is now streaming on Netflix.

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