agmtw logo
search
The Impossible (2012)

7.5

Movie

Spain, Thailand
English, Swedish, Thai
Adventure, Drama, Thriller
2012
J.A. BAYONA
Bonnie Zellerbach, Bruce Blain, Dominic Power
114 min

What it's about

In December 2004, close-knit family Maria, Henry and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand. But the day after Christmas, the idyllic holiday turns into an incomprehensible nightmare when a terrifying roar rises from the depths of the sea, followed by a wall of black water that devours everything in its path. Though Maria and her family face their darkest hour, unexpected displays of kindness and courage ameliorate their terror.

The take

A heart-wrenching tribute to victims of natural disasters that is one of despair, suffering, and hope. And it wouldn’t be so damning if it weren’t based off a true story surrounding the tragedy that killed more than 230,000 people. Boxing Day 2004 was one of the most memorable dates for wedded couple, Henry (Ewan McGregor) and Maria (Naomi Watts, for an Oscar nominated performance). Just two days prior, they arrived at Orchid Beach Resort in Thailand to celebrate the Christmas holidays together with their three children. After a squabble with the crew regarding their room reservations, they are granted the privilege of staying in a peaceful villa and all seems to be well. Nature had other plans in mind, though, and facing it head-on is the bittersweet reality.

Comments

I’ve seen this movie too many times. Love it. It’s not for the faint hearted. You will feel as if you yourself are experiencing the tsunami. You’ll cringe in pain when the characters do and feel their relief too.

I notice something new every time. It’s not a light, ‘make you-feel-better’ kind of movies. It’s an in your face, ‘this is life’, emotional, and raw kind of films.

Add a comment

Your name

Your comment

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

More like this in

Once Were Warriors (1994)

A Maori family survives in an alienating Auckland in this raw, tragic drama

8.0

Silenced (2011)

A brutal and harrowing exposé of the schoolwide abuse case that sparked outrage in Korea

9.0

My King (2015)

A lover heals her knee and her heart in this contemplative drama about co-dependency

7.0

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (2002)

Two boys bond with the village seamstress through banned books in this coming-of-age historical drama

7.2

My Old Ass (2024)

A pleasant mix of comedy and coming-of-age that may or may not leave you in tears

8.0

Last Film Show (2022)

A boy spends a summer on movies in this stunning semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama

7.8

The Substance (2024)

Demi Moore swaps bodies in this standout chaotic body dysmorphia horror

8.3

Look Back (2024)

Art connects people through time and space in this short and sweet drama

9.0

Being Julia (2004)

A middle age crisis leads to a star finding her spark in this insightful comedy

7.1

The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005)

A gangster’s son finds a new way of living in this intense, piano-playing neo-noir

7.6

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.