Why "The Impossible" Works

“The Impossible” is about an impossible situation.  Imagine spending Christmas vacation in Thailand with your family (mom, dad, and three sons).  It’s the perfect place for relaxation with a beautiful hotel, the beach, ping-pong tables, and palm trees.  But in the matter of seconds your world changes – a tsunami hits and there is no way to escape it.  This film, based on a real family, shows the events leading up to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and what unfolds afterwards.

What Works

-          Excellent acting from all the actors – especially from Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland.

-          There is an ominous undertone from the very beginning.  You know a tsunami will hit, but you don’t know when.  The suspense is high.

-          Your heart will be pounding for the entire tsunami sequence.  It is incredibly realistic from the waves, water, sounds, makeup (the leg), and the power of the ocean.  It is crazy to watch

-          The stressful reality of being separated from your family and not knowing when (or if) you will be reunited.

-          The kindness of strangers.  Everyone in the same terrible situation coming together to help each other out.

-          The ending – I won’t spoil it, but it makes you think of all the other people caught in the tsunami.

An intense film, “The Impossible” will have you gripping the edge of your seat from start to finish.  The horrific situation, suspense, and action were backed up by director J.A. Bayona’s prior experience in horror filmmaking.

I recommend watching this on a full stomach.  But definitely see it.