The Impossible is an incredibly tough film to watch. It's not for the reasons that you think, either. This isn't emotionally tough to watch. Rather...it's the look of the film that hits you the most. However...The Impossible is not good in its toughness. Perhaps if the film was not so damn cookie cutter I would have appreciated it more. I would never want to see this film again and that is not a compliment to the filmmakers.
The film features one of the most striking scenes imaginable. You guessed it...it's the tsunami scene. After that great, beautifully choreographed scene...it's all downhill. The film then follows Maria (Naomi Watts) and her son, Lucas (Tom Holland) as they try to survive the aftermath. It also follows Henry (Ewan McGregor), Maria's husband and their other two sons, Thomas and Simon (Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast) as they try to find Maria and Lucas and survive as well.
Where the film fails miserably is when it tries to make the audience sad. The film follows the usual story arc we would expect from a film such as this and therefore never gets nearly emotional as it wants to. McGregor and Watts are alright but they never show their full potential. These are two fantastic actors and although these are not attractive roles for them...they could have done much better with the material given. The kids are actually better than McGregor and Watts combined. Holland, Joslin and Pendergast all give it their all and realistically portray this situation as if the audience was watching it in real time. There is a shot that involves one of Maria's legs that bothered me for the rest of the film. This may not have been so annoying had there been any rhyme or reason to it. Rather...it's just an incredibly gross shot that adds nothing to the film.
All in all.....The Impossible is not a good film. Being that this is a true story...I can see where some people may find it fascinating. However...those people will most likely not focus on how good the film actually is. Considering how powerful and sad this story still is...everyone involved could have made a significantly better film. As it is....The Impossible is a mediocre, cliche film that never gets the audience that engaged and doesn't let the audience leave in satisfaction.
(2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for intense realistic disaster sequences including disturbing injury images and brief nudity)
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