Based on a true story, The Impossible is a film with a simple plot, but a far from simple story. A powerful, and enduring movie about a family who, against all odds, survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Director J. A. Bayona brings new meaning to the word 'inspiring'.
Tom Holland as Lucas Bennett. Source: Collider
When the tsunami hits the resort that Maria Bennett (Naomi Watts) and her family are staying at, it is a fight for survival. Separated from her three boys and her husband, she finds her self struggling to fight the currents and waves. Stuck in the water, her body is battered and beaten until she sees her oldest son, Lucas (Tom Holland). Civilians manage to carry Maria's body to a nearby hospital that has been treating the injured.
Meanwhile, Henry Bennett (Ewan McGregor) has been searching high and low to find his wife and his eldest. He leaves his two younger sons Thomas (Samuel Joslin) and Simon (Oaklee Pendergast) with a travelling group and continues searching for the rest of his family. Of course this entire family is reunited at last, and at the end of the film we see them flying off to Singapore for better medical care.
Like I said, a plot with little to no twists, yet was able to keep my eyes glued to the screen the entire time. It truly was spectacular. Many people have been raving about Naomi Watts' performance, as they should. Her scenes broke my heart into a million pieces. Seeing her bedridden blue face looking so hopeless while her son watches was chilling to the bone. Limited to only her words and facial expressions, the emotion of pain and fear that she showed was ridiculous, for a lack of better words.
But as great as she was, I believe that Tom Holland was the real star of the show. Just imagine being a young boy watching his mother suffer right in front of your own eyes. That's the emotion that I felt watching Tom in this role. At one point, his character breaks down and starts crying. That kind of talent just isn't taught. I felt it. And when he was reunited with his brothers and his father, I lost it. I absolutely lost it. I can't even fathom how someone would feel seeing their family again after thinking that a tsunami took their lives.
Along side the two, Ewan McGregor held his own. Cut up and stained with blood, he kept the tension high throughout the film. Showing both bravery and vulnerability, this was one of his best performances ever. Balancing the roles of being a provider to his sons, but also trying to be the hero and search for the other half of his beloved family.
The Impossible was filmed beautifully. Bright, warm colours used throughout the film made me think of hope and happiness. Necessary elements when telling a tale filled with such sorrow. It is horrifying yet incredible how real this film felt. And that's what makes it such a success. My one criticism is that the film didn't feel complete: the ending seemed unresolved. But still such a powerful and moving film and one of the most realistic disaster movies I've ever seen. I felt broken just watching this movie. I can't even begin to imagine how people who were directly affected will feel watching this film.
Rating: 8.5/10
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