The Impossible

What's it all about? Based on real life account of a family caught in the middle of one of the worlds worst natural catastrophes , we follow Maria and her son Lucas as they struggle to survive and reunite with the rest of their family. 

Starring? Naomi Watts , Ewan McGregor , Tom Holland , Samuel Joslin ,Oaklee Pendergast 


A lazy New Years Day seems an appropriate time to head to the Cinema , although perhaps The Impossible was not the best choice for a group of queasy hangover teenagers.  Without a doubt this is not easy watching from the start , the 3D sound fills the cinema and instantly submerges the audience into the film. Writers Sergio Sanchez and Maria Belon set the scene perfectly , a picturesque utopia filled to the brim with naive holiday makers ; we are given a sense of the family and immediately sympathise. Juan Antonia Bayona's direction perfectly captures the sudden chaos of the tsunami and the tragedy it leaves in its wake.  We are witness to an extraordinary scene , Bayona's builds up the tension in such a way that we are left bracing ourselves for the wave ; which itself is filmed so realistically we almost feel somewhat involved. The film proceeds to the aftermath , we are left completely restless as the characters struggle to safety , Bayona manages to create an immense state of shock and tension amongst the viewers. The Impossible is undoubtedly an incredible story of survival , filmed and written with realistic humanity ; although this is no surprise as the real life Maria co-wrote the film. It is intense and we are hauled through a huge range of emotions , it leaves us on the edge of our seats , inevitably teary eyed. The acting is superb from the entire cast ,Watts and McGregor provide confident and emotional performances that are well supported by the younger cast ; especially Holland who shines as Maria's son Lucas. Viewing that is not for the faint hearted , Bayona does not shy away showing us shocking injuries or indeed the full extent of the tragic consequences the tsunami had on those involved. A thought provoking film , one that is not easily forgettable as we are shown the tragic impact through the incredible story of one family.

Verdict? 4.5 Stars , an incredible story brilliantly told