Have you ever thought about what it would be like to survive a natural disaster? How about surviving one in which you are separated from your loved ones in a country where you don’t speak the language? The Impossible takes on these questions and more, as it explores the heartbreak of separation, the loss and devastation of a tsunami, and the humanity that unites us all.
This disaster drama is based on the true story of María Belón and her family’s experiences during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. In the movie, the family, whose last name has been changed to Bennett, has traveled to Thailand for a Christmas vacation. Two days after they arrive, the family is relaxing at their hotel, when a tsunami hits. Mom Maria and her oldest son, Lucas, are separated from dad Henry and the two youngest sons, Thomas and Simon. The family must overcome injury, chaos, emotional strife, and language barriers to reunite.
This disaster drama is based on the true story of María Belón and her family’s experiences during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. In the movie, the family, whose last name has been changed to Bennett, has traveled to Thailand for a Christmas vacation. Two days after they arrive, the family is relaxing at their hotel, when a tsunami hits. Mom Maria and her oldest son, Lucas, are separated from dad Henry and the two youngest sons, Thomas and Simon. The family must overcome injury, chaos, emotional strife, and language barriers to reunite.
I was impressed by film composer Fernando Velázquez’s work. I believe that he chose the right balance of sound and silence. The silence proved especially important during certain scenes, such as right after the tsunami, when Maria and Lucas are struggling in the water. The sounds of rushing currents, floating objects, and people screaming made me feel as if I were actually there.
The acting within this movie is incredible. Naomi Watts as Maria perfectly embodies a mother who is fighting for her own life, as well as the life of her son. Her screams of agony and desperation sent chills down my spine. Young actor Tom Holland displays maturity beyond his years as he plays Lucas. In the movie, he is thrust into a role reversal situation, in which he must act like the parent, as he struggles to keep his mother alive. In the beginning of the movie, their relationship is rocky, just like many other parents and their preteens. However, as the movie progresses, they form a deeper bond. Ewan McGregor was great as Henry, but due to one of the only weak points within this movie, I feel like I didn’t get enough of his perspective.
Óscar Faura’s cinematography is absolutely spectacular. Aerial shots are heavily utilized to show the devastation of the tsunami. The audience can see the homes and landscape that have been destroyed, the dead and injured bodies, and survivors clinging to trees. There are some great low angle shots that capture the characters after they have been swept away by the wave. In one scene, the viewer is taken underwater, below Maria’s body, as she is stabbed by a sharp object.
The acting within this movie is incredible. Naomi Watts as Maria perfectly embodies a mother who is fighting for her own life, as well as the life of her son. Her screams of agony and desperation sent chills down my spine. Young actor Tom Holland displays maturity beyond his years as he plays Lucas. In the movie, he is thrust into a role reversal situation, in which he must act like the parent, as he struggles to keep his mother alive. In the beginning of the movie, their relationship is rocky, just like many other parents and their preteens. However, as the movie progresses, they form a deeper bond. Ewan McGregor was great as Henry, but due to one of the only weak points within this movie, I feel like I didn’t get enough of his perspective.
Óscar Faura’s cinematography is absolutely spectacular. Aerial shots are heavily utilized to show the devastation of the tsunami. The audience can see the homes and landscape that have been destroyed, the dead and injured bodies, and survivors clinging to trees. There are some great low angle shots that capture the characters after they have been swept away by the wave. In one scene, the viewer is taken underwater, below Maria’s body, as she is stabbed by a sharp object.
This movie is a must-see for people who enjoy real-life stories of survival and hope. Some scenes are difficult to watch, because of the realism. There are also some nudity scenes. For this reason, I believe that viewers should be 13 or older. I am not a big movie crier; however, I found myself tearing up during several scenes. It’s genuine; it’s honest. If I were in that situation, I imagine I would see and feel the same way that is depicted in the movie. I loved the sense of humanity – that even when it feels like your world is coming to an end, you can make a positive difference in someone’s life.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Film Grade: A
Check back here soon for more reviews.
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
Work Cited
The Camera (Ch. 4) - The GWU Film Critic [Blog Post]. (2016,September 22). Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/ch-4-cinematography/
Film Grade: A
Check back here soon for more reviews.
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
Work Cited
The Camera (Ch. 4) - The GWU Film Critic [Blog Post]. (2016,September 22). Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/ch-4-cinematography/