From director Herbert James (“Jamie”) Winterstern comes the action-thriller Supercell which sees a teenage boy join a group of storm chasers in a bid to find himself and to learn more about his father.
I’ll admit I had low expectations going into this film. Let’s be honest. There are a ton of shit natural disaster movies out there. But Supercell isn’t one of them.
Supercell features sympathetic characters, a must for any movie, such as the main character William, played well by Daniel Diemer (“The Midnight Club”). You want to cheer for this kid. And it was great to see Skeet Ulrich, best known for his role in Scream, in action. The film also sadly features Anne Heche in one of her final roles. Academy-Award nominee, three-time Golden Globe, and Emmy winner Alec Baldwin stars as a storm guide and a total prick.
When it comes to a natural disaster movie, especially one with tornadoes, the special effects must be on point, and they are in Supercell. The movie looks fantastic, realistic, and downright beautiful at times. The cinematography by Andrew Jeric is absolutely stunning. Bravo to Jeric and the special effects team! They absolutely nailed it!
The tornadoes look so real that it’s scary, and I can tell you that from experience. I’ve been through four of them. I know that sound of a tornado, like a freight train coming through. Seeing the rain going sideways, the hail pounding on the roof, shingles and shutters being ripped off, and the house almost shaking as you take cover. Praying that you’ll make it through as the roof is peeled back. This movie gets it all right. And that’s a very rare thing.
Supercell stands apart from most natural disaster movies we get these days. Not only is it good, but it also relies on science and doesn’t over-exaggerate in order to try to make things more dramatic. And I’m grateful for that. Everything in this movie could really happen.
My only gripe with the movie is that I feel like the machine that William carries everywhere wasn’t better explained for those of us who aren’t scientists. It’s a bit complicated. But in the end, it’s not really the focus of the film. William’s journey is. So I’ll let it slide.
Here’s my verdict, Supercell left me impressed (that’s rare). It is a must-see for natural disaster and action fans, as well as those who are into dramas. It has a solid story and amazing effects and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is most definitely a movie I would recommend. Luckily, you don’t have to wait long to see it for yourself, Supercell leaves a path of destruction as it makes its way onto Digital on June 12, 2023, from Vertigo Releasing.
