Official synopsis: Set in the rugged landscape of 1790’s Britain, Tornado (Kōki,) finds herself caught in a perilous situation when she and her father’s travelling puppet show crosses paths with a ruthless criminal gang led by Sugarman (Roth) and his ambitious son Little Sugar (Lowden). In an attempt to create a new life, Tornado seizes the opportunity to steal the gold from the gang’s most recent heist; what follows is a thrilling tale of adrenaline-fueled action as Tornado fights to escape a violent demise . . .
Director John Maclean’s Tornado combines western movie and samurai film elements, delivering a fantastic-looking revenge thriller. There’s not a lot in the way of new plot elements, but the film is so well done that it should be considered must-see viewing for genre-film aficionados.
The performances are top notch, with Kōki leading the way as the titular character, a young woman used to living life on the road as a performer with her puppeteer father Fujin (Takehiro Hira), who is also skilled in the ways of the samurai. Roth is also terrific as Sugarman, the ruthless leader of a gang of outlaws. When Tornado steals the thieves’ gold, no one is safe from the bloodletting to come.
Tornado follows the familiar beats of an actioner with villains pursuing the protagonist, but cowriters Maclean and Kate Leys people the film with interesting, sometimes offbeat characters, and Maclean paces the events and suspense wonderfully. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan provides gorgeous visuals and the supporting players turn in excellent work, so the film remains captivating throughout.
Tornado is not the most complex of characters, but she is written and portrayed impressively. Kōki brings Tornado to cinematic life wonderfully, from the emotions the young woman goes through to the action and fighting sequences on display.
IFC Films Presents Tornado in theaters from May 30, 2025.
