“The Impossible” is based on an incredible true story of one family’s experience being part of the massive tsunami that struck Asia back in 2004. It was also one of the most powerful films of 2012.
Maria (Naomi Watts) and Henry (Ewan McGregor) decide to take their three sons to Thailand for Christmas vacation. But early in their trip the tsunami, one of the greatest natural disasters in modern history, comes from out of nowhere, destroying their hotel complex and separating the family members.
Maria and her eldest son Lucas (played by newcomer Tom Holland) are able to find each other. She is badly injured and Lucas must try to keep her safe and get her help. Henry is able to locate the two youngest boys, but he refuses to leave the area without knowing what happened to his wife and other son, searching every hospital and shelter in an effort to reunite the family.
If you had to describe “The Impossible” in one word it would be ‘intense’. Even before the tsunami hits you’re holding your breath because, unlike the characters, you know it’s coming. And director J.A. Bayona decides to spend a long period of time with Maria and Lucas at the start, leaving us in suspense as to what happened with the Henry and the other kids. It’s an interesting strategy (normally a script would shift back and forth between the two parents), but it works well, as Maria becomes the focus of the film.
This is a very challenging role for Watts, whose character is in pain, covered with blood and/or barely breathing for the majority of the movie. She doesn’t have much dialogue, but uses facial expressions and her eyes to deliver a very strong performance. We’re with her every step of the way, because we can feel what she’s going through. McGregor is also very good. In a great year for Supporting Actor performances, his may be the most diverse. Both should receive Oscar nominations.
The tsunami scenes are executed very well. Not only do you get to witness what the disaster looked like, but Bayona allows you to feel it on a very personal level. This is great filmmaking, that includes a top-notch script. There’s emotion in every word, which allows us to stay connected to these characters throughout. This is a fictionalized version of what really happened – and the ending is a little too…well, I’m going to stop there. But at the same time, this is a very real, grounded film, and a story I won’t soon forget.
“The Impossible” is rated PG-13 for disturbing images, peril, adult language and brief nudity. It’s appropriate for teens and up.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “The Impossible” gets an A-.