‘The Impossible’ Movie Review – An Unforgettable Experience

If you’ve seen the trailer for The Impossible, then you know it’s a disaster movie based on the true story of one family’s survival of the 2004 tsunami. And as you probably guessed, that means get ready for some tears. I usually recommend a tissue for these types of movies but in this case I would recommend an actual box of tissue…seriously.

The movie opens with Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons as they arrive in Thailand to begin their winter vacation. However, paradise doesn’t last long when on the morning of December 26th, while the family is relaxing and playing around the pool, a wall of water engulfs the entire hotel including Maria, Henry and their sons, in one of the most haunting and terrifying scenes I have ever seen.

And within second we are following Maria in the water struggling to stay afloat and alive while the current and all the debris in the water attempt to bring her down.

Without giving away too much, the movie first focuses on Maria and her struggle trying to survive the immense devastation the tsunami has left, followed by Henry’s side, in a very seamless and natural way. Since the movie is described as a “story of survival” and based on a true story, you can guess how it all ends, but that’s not really the point of the film. What The Impossible really explores is the journey of the family, which is quite inspiring and unforgettable.

Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor are both stunning and captivating in very demanding roles. They give their all and the film features quite a few heartbreaking moments. One of Ewan McGregor’s breakdown continues to stay with me even a couple of weeks after seeing the movie. I hope they get some award nods for their performances.

But the biggest breakthrough in the film has to be newcomer Tom Holland (who reminds me of a young Jamie Bell) who plays Maria and Henry’s eldest son Lucas. He was absolutely amazing and stood his own opposite both Watts and McGregor. Keep an eye out for him, because he’s definitely an up and comer and I’m looking forward to seeing his future performances.

With The Impossible, Director J.A. Bayona (The Orphanage) was able to capture the devastation and fear that took over after the tragedy and put us in the middle of the action. Some of those water sequences were hard to watch, I felt like it was going to take me away with it. I won’t lie, it’s a taxing movie to watch emotionally, but absolutely worth it.

If you want to live through an unforgettable experience for a couple of hours, I highly recommend you go see it.

The Impossible comes out to limited theaters today, Friday December 21st.

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