13 Minutes
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 29, 2021
Genre
Disaster, Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Amy Smart as Kim
- Thora Birch as Jess
- Anne Heche as Tammy
- Trace Adkins as Rick
- Paz Vega as Ana
- Peter Facinelli as Brad
- Sofia Vassilieva as Maddy
- Yancey Arias as Carlos
Director
Lindsay Gossling
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Directorial debut for a feature film
Producer
- Travis Farncombe
- Karen Harnisch
- Lindsay Gossling
- Cassian Elwes
Writer
- Lindsay Gossling
Budget
Estimated at $5 million
Production Company
- Involving Pictures
- Elevated Films
- Quiver Distribution
Running Time
108 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense disaster sequences
- Some language
- Thematic elements
Movie Story
“13 Minutes” is a disaster drama that focuses on the lives of four families in a small Midwest town as they prepare for and survive a devastating tornado. The film follows the interconnected stories of these families, each dealing with their own struggles and challenges, as they come together in the face of nature’s wrath.
The film begins by introducing the main characters: Kim (Amy Smart), a pregnant woman grappling with her marriage; Jess (Thora Birch), a single mother trying to protect her daughter; Tammy (Anne Heche) and Rick (Trace Adkins), a couple running a farm while dealing with financial stress; and Ana (Paz Vega), an undocumented immigrant working hard to support her family. Their lives are ordinary, filled with everyday problems, until a severe weather system begins to form, threatening to tear everything apart.
As the tornado approaches, the families have just 13 minutes to seek shelter and survive the storm. The film’s tension builds as the clock ticks down, showing the characters’ desperate attempts to protect their loved ones. When the tornado finally strikes, the aftermath reveals the physical and emotional devastation left in its wake. The survivors must not only cope with the destruction of their homes but also confront the deeper issues that the storm has brought to the surface.
“13 Minutes” explores themes of resilience, community, and the human capacity to endure in the face of overwhelming odds. The film highlights the importance of family, the strength of the human spirit, and the courage it takes to rebuild after tragedy. Through its characters, “13 Minutes” portrays the ways in which people can find hope and solidarity even in the most harrowing circumstances.
Special Effects
The special effects in “13 Minutes” are crucial to creating the film’s intense disaster sequences. The tornado itself is depicted with a combination of CGI and practical effects, bringing to life the terrifying power of nature. The scenes of destruction are visceral and realistic, capturing the chaos and danger of a tornado’s impact on a small town. The film uses sound design and visual effects to enhance the tension, making the audience feel the urgency and peril faced by the characters.
Box Office Performance
“13 Minutes” had a limited theatrical release and was also available on digital platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its performances and disaster sequences, while others criticized the pacing and the development of its multiple storylines. Despite the mixed reception, it resonated with audiences looking for a character-driven disaster film with emotional depth.
Filming Locations
- El Reno, Oklahoma, USA
- Bethany, Oklahoma, USA
- Minco, Oklahoma, USA
Notable Quotes
- “We can rebuild a house, but we can’t rebuild a life.” – Rick
- “It’s not about surviving the storm; it’s about what you do after.” – Jess
Behind-the-Scenes
“13 Minutes” was filmed on location in Oklahoma, an area known for its tornado activity, adding authenticity to the film’s portrayal of a Midwestern town. Director Lindsay Gossling aimed to balance the disaster elements with the personal stories of the characters, highlighting the human impact of natural disasters. The film’s production involved collaboration with weather experts to accurately depict the science behind tornadoes and the warning systems in place to protect communities.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“13 Minutes” is a disaster drama that combines intense action with emotional storytelling. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it offers a compelling portrayal of how ordinary people confront extraordinary circumstances. The film’s strong performances, particularly from Amy Smart and Anne Heche, anchor the narrative, making it a relatable and engaging watch. For fans of disaster films that emphasize character development and resilience, “13 Minutes” delivers a thoughtful and suspenseful experience.
IMDb Rating
4.8/10