4/5 stars

Not many films leave a cinema audience openly weeping as a collective group, but The Impossible is one film that can count itself these few. Based on true events, the film revolves around the Bennett family, separated from each other when the 2004 tsunami hit their beach-side hotel, and follows their desperate struggle to be reunited. The depiction of the terrible destruction the tsunami caused is quite overwhelming, but also very faithful to the reality of the disaster. While it isn’t altogether gruesome, there are moments that some may find off-putting, particularly if you don’t like hospitals.

Ewan McGregor gives one of his best performances as Henry Bennett; one of the most heart-wrenching moments of the film being when he calls a relative and breaks down in great body-shaking sobs. He tries to remain positive in front of others, but his eyes betray his conflicting thoughts of wanting to continue searching for his family and facing the truth that they may be dead. This is also portrayed brilliantly by Naomi Watts (Maria Bennett), whose screams of pain during one scene cause shudders throughout the audience. Both actors deserve immense praise for their performances.

The Impossible is admittedly a difficult film to describe: due to the nature of the plot, it isn’t something that you want to say you enjoyed. However, it is a film that everyone should watch. It is incredibly powerful, emotional, and leaves you completely speechless. I could only utter one word at the end of it: “wow”.

Alice Rafter