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"The Impossible" Is a Disaster Movie Done Right

Megan Singson |
November 5, 2012 | 5:56 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

The Impossible” is a disaster movie unlike any other that will have audiences gripping their seats in terror and shedding tears in happiness and anguish. Starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, the film is based on the true story of a family vacationing in Thailand when the 2004 tsunami struck Southeast Asia, claiming the lives of thousands. The emotional performances by the cast, artful cinematography, moving musical score and superb use of special effects captures the devastation of the disaster but also the strength and compassion of the victims.
 
“The Impossible” is visually and audibly stunning and terrifying. The use of sound is so prominent from the very beginning. The film opens to a black screen with simply the overwhelming rumble of crashing waves that immediately strike fear into the audience. It is the same fear that is seen in the eyes of the Bennett family just before the first giant wave hits them, mercilessly destroying everything in its path and separating their family. The use of CGI helped during the disaster scenes made the tsunami seem so realistic that it was truly frightening.
 
But the most horrifying sequences occur immediately after, as the water pulls its victims into a vortex and the oldest son Lucas Bennett (Tom Holland) and his mother Maria (Watts) are seen being dragged down stream and crashing into debris that stabs them painfully in the water. They are helpless against the current and this helplessness is transmitted through the audience using intense visual effects. The audience spins violently with the characters, realistically portraying the chaos and pain that goes on under the water and the inability to stop it.
 
When the water finally calms, the heart-wrenching story of Maria and Lucas begins. Maria not only tries to survive, suffering from gruesome wounds, but also tries to maintain her dignity and morale for the sake of her son. But the real star of the film is Holland, who makes his film debut in "The Impossible" after his success on Broadway in “Billy Elliott: The Musical.” Holland portrays Lucas perfectly, delivering emotional scenes that range from hopeless defeat to unadulterated joy. His character arc is the most prominent as he grows up in a matter of days and learns about the power of compassion and how it can change the lives of so many people.
 
On the other side of the story is Lucas’ father Henry (McGregor) and the two youngest sons Thomas and Simon. McGregor is able to capture the distress of a father who has to choose between staying with his sons or continuing to search for Maria and Lucas. His breakdown is one of the most heartbreaking scenes of the film as he lets go of the strong mask he put on for his children and takes time to let his emotions flow. Thomas and Simon were also wonderful actors for such young boys, and their innocence provided relief that make those around them smile despite the surrounding tragedy.
 
Everyone in the audience can relate to the Bennetts, whether they are mothers, fathers or children. Screenwriter Sergio G. Sanchez is able to bring the personal story of the Bennett family and translate it into the universal concept of humanity. There are moments of uncertainty and  agony, but also of joy and love and these emotions are accentuated by the musical score of Fernando Velazquez.
 
Though the film follows the Bennetts’ story, director Juan Antonio Bayona wants the audience to remember that this is also the story of many families affected by the tsunami. This is shown through the numerous side characters that the Bennetts encounter, such as a young toddler that Lucas saves and a man who befriends Henry as he searches for his own wife and child. The extreme long shots of the destruction further emphasize that the Bennetts were just one of the thousands of families changed forever by the tsunami.
 
The film is a roller coaster ride of emotions along with a gripping story of survival and a beautiful example of the good that people are capable of. Ultimately it will make you laugh, cry and count your blessings.
 
“The Impossible” opens in theaters on December 21.

Reach Staff Reporter Megan Singson here.




 

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