Is Into the Storm Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by Reshwanth A
Updated Apr 18, 2023
Is Into the Storm Based on a True Story?
The concept of a firenado, a tornado of fire, may seem like something straight out of a cheesy movie like Sharknado. However, this phenomenon is based on real-life events and is showcased in the newfound-footage disaster film, Into the Storm. Screenwriter John Swetnam shared that every moment in the movie, even the seemingly absurd ones, is inspired by actual occurrences.
They used special effects to enhance the realism of the events, but the basis for each scene came from footage found on YouTube. Swetnam explained that the team took real-world events and heightened them to make the movie more thrilling. The use of real-life events makes the movie more impactful and adds to the intensity of the experience.
Into the Storm's world premiere took place on Monday night in New York, where Swetnam shared his inspiration for the film. Overall, the film showcases natural disasters in a unique way and sheds light on the terrifying power of extreme weather conditions.
Where was Into the Storm Filmed?
The filming for Into the Storm began in July 2012 in Detroit, where they captured several pivotal scenes. After completing filming in Detroit, the production team moved to Rochester, Michigan, to continue shooting. Two weeks later, they wrapped up filming in Rochester and moved to other locations for additional footage. Some of the scenes were shot in Oakland Charter Township, where they recreated the look of a small town in the middle of a severe storm.
Other scenes were shot at Oakview Middle School and Oakland University, which provided the perfect backdrop for some of the more intense moments in the film. The use of these various locations adds to the realism of the movie and provides a sense of the devastation that can occur during a catastrophic weather event.
Into the Storm Plot
Into the Storm is a disaster movie set in Silverton, Oklahoma, where a group of high school seniors is recording messages for a time capsule while a developing storm threatens to destroy the town. A veteran storm chaser named Pete and his team head to Silverton to film the tornadoes. When the storm hits, it damages the school, trapping students inside.
The vice-principal, Gary, sets out to rescue his son and his friend from an abandoned paper mill. A massive EF-5 tornado forms, endangering everyone in its path. Pete sacrifices himself to move his research vehicle, Titus, to a storm grate to protect others. The film ends with the townspeople rebuilding and the time capsule being completed. The movie features a firenado and other moments based on real-life events.
Into the Storm Ending Explained
In the Ending, the storm chasers and school refugees seek shelter in a storm drain at a construction site as a colossal EF-5 tornado threatens to level the town of Silverton, Oklahoma. However, the integrity of their shelter is compromised when a grate at one end of the drain is damaged, and Pete leaves to place the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (Titus) in front of the grate.
With the help of Titus' winch and ground anchors, he locks the vehicle in place, but the Titus is not designed to handle winds over 170 mph. When the back half of the tornado hits, it becomes too much for Titus, and it's picked up with Pete still inside, carrying him up several hundred feet, slamming him back down to earth, and killing him instantly.
The movie ends with the surviving townspeople rebuilding Silverton, as Trey finishes the time-capsule video with the students' message of newfound respect for life. In the final scene, Donk and Reevis are shown to have survived the storm and are stuck in a tree, with their video footage ready for fame on YouTube
Is Into the Storm Based on a True Story - FAQs
The movie "Into the Storm" was released on August 8, 2014.
While the movie features elements based on real-life events, it is a work of fiction and not based on a specific true story.
The movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of intense destruction and peril, and language including some sexual references.
The movie was primarily filmed in Michigan, including Detroit, Rochester, Oakland Charter Township, Oakview Middle School, and Oakland University.