Don’t worry – I’m not about to reveal the ending!

Based on the tragic events of Boxing Day (26th December) 2004, The Impossible tells the story of one family’s terrifying experience of the tsunami which tore apart the lives of so many people. It is adapted from the true story of the Belón family from Spain who were on holiday in Thailand when the disaster struck.

María Belón, her husband Enrique and their three sons were staying at a resort over Christmas when their lives were changed forever. The film shows the family (played by actors) relaxing by the pool when suddenly the wave hits the resort and tears them apart. It then goes on to portray the family’s struggle to find one another, by visiting various hospitals and health centres, many of which were temporary and run by volunteers.

María is played by Naomi Watts, who has since gone on to be nominated for an Academy Award based on her performance. Ewan McGregor plays her husband, who frantically searches for the rest of his family with the help of people he meets along the way.

I went to see the film with my family recently, and none of us had a bad word to say about it. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor play their roles so convincingly that it is easy to forget that it is acted. Every tear and every wound, both physical and mental, appear completely heartfelt. You find yourself feeling the same emotions that you can only imagine the family members are experiencing, whilst praying that they find each other. Put it this way, there were no dry eyes in the cinema by the end of the film!

Watching The Impossible is emotionally exhausting and it provokes a deep sadness in you for all of those involved in the tragedy. I believe it is an extremely effective way of telling the story of exactly what happened at that time, especially as it is based on true experiences. 

The film has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from around the world, and I predict it will be a big part of any upcoming awards. I definitely recommend going to see it, as long as you remember your tissues!