I'm scared. Close your eyes and think of something nice - A review of "The Impossible"

The great Tsunami of December, 2004 can be regarded as a one of the biggest and most significant natural calamities of our time. And hailing from a country like India the memory of the event is still freshly imprinted in our heads However, what was surprising about this event in a film point of view is the lack of a feature film based on this event up until now and in this regard "The Impossible" fills a void and has made a niche of its own. The premise of the story is that an American family from Japan visit Thailand during the fateful winter of 2008 to celebrate Christmas and follows the family as their perfectly ordinary lives at one moment is strewn into chaos upon the disastrous tsunami.



To make a movie about any natural calamity is no meagre task especially considering the immense effort that goes into creating sets for the aftermath of the disaster. Considering modern CGI capabilities this has undoubtedly become easier, it is very clear that a good amount of effort and time has been spent in preparing the surroundings, conditions and sets for the movie and I hold the movie in good regard for nicely recreating natural disaster.

It's understandable how this movie is based on a true story of a certain Spanish family (also I think what explains the Spanish title Lo Imposible) but was over dramatized and that is very evident. The close encounters the family has but never actually reunite and that too by not much than a few metres and a glance seemed melodramatic. This also felt a little Bollywood like for anyone who follows Indian cinema. Furthermore, the incidents regarding the kid Daniel that Maria and Lucas save were again unrealistic. Some parts of the movie were downright predictable (I am not going to reveal which parts because it runs the risk of being a spoiler).

The acting undoubtedly was the saving grace for this motion picture. Naomi Watts produced a good performance, nothing stellar. The motherly aspects of her character were portrayed impeccably. Her efforts to portray a mother in excessive pain but uncompromising in her responsibilities are appreciable.  In a movie like this developing a rounded character is out of the question and considering how that is the case Watts' performance was the best the role could be. The younger kids of the family played by Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast did a decent job. Tom Holland who plays the oldest son did a really good job. His responses seemed natural to what you would expect from a 11 year old during pure disaster, the fear, the undying need to help, the selfishness to sustain the ones he loves, and his aversion to seeing his mother in a state of frailty were pulled of well. Considering how Tom Holland and Naomi Watts have the maximum screen time in the movie they held it together. Ewan McGregor battered in bruises and streaked with blood but with an inescapable and undying pursuit to piece together his family was good but left you yearning for more. He seemed a waste of good talent for hardly any character development.

One of the most appreciable aspects of the movie that I thought was apparent is the portrayal of the locals of Thailand were nicely done. Shed them in good light considering how they willingly help without any discrimination. A certain gentleness to the people was evident. The movie highlights most aspects of disaster related movies, apocalyptic movies - the sense of belonging, bonds of love, desperation and selfishness that stems from dire situations, the bright and evident shreds of humanity that survives any calamity and a sense of victory that endears the people involved. Overall a good watch but shouldn't be too high on your watch list.