The Impossible

Movie review by Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
The Impossible Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Very intense story of family's survival against the odds.

PG-13 2012 114 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 20 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 100 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Impossible is an intense family drama set against the 2004 Asian tsunami. Because of the subject matter, there are many upsetting sequences, particularly in the first half hour after the tsunami hits. People are shown swept away and presumably killed by the rushing wall of water, and a mother is so severely injured that a part of her skin is no longer attached to her body. Parents, please know that you, too, will be affected by the horrors depicted in the film -- none greater than when a boy believes he's all that's left of his immediate family.

Community Reviews

nerdyginger27
nerdyginger27 Adult
May 9, 2021
age 13+

Frighteningly realistic and sobering, yet uplifting

Appropriate for MATURE 12-14 year olds. Contains frightening imagery of death, destruction, and suffering due to a natural disaster. Gore includes a gash across a woman's breast (non-sexual nudity for

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
emarnold15
emarnold15 Adult
February 19, 2021
age 16+

Graphic, but great depiction

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this movie, since it wasn't given a big theater release and I hadn't heard much about it until years later. It is actually really good! The acting is incredible and the whole thing feels very realistic. Wonderful depiction of how a family would act being separated in a catastrophe. It's very emotional and stressful, so be prepared. There are two scenes in which the mother's breast is exposed. One, where her top rips and her son points out that her breast is showing. Two, when she's at the hospital and they have to take off her top to treat her injuries. It's unnecessary, but it's not in a sexual way. Could've done without it. I put too much violence below for one scene in particular, not that it's violent but more disturbing. The mother is in the hospital and eats an orange, which then makes her throw/gag up blood, seaweed, sand etc. I am not a squeamish person (I watch TLC medical shows with no problem), but even I looked away. It's very graphic and upsetting and even makes you feel sick. I get that the movie is trying to be realistic, but since it's PG-13 I think they should've showed less of this scene. Besides that, it really is a great movie that reminds you of what's really important. And again, the acting is amazing. I would say 16+ for the movie, and 13+ if you skip the nudity and the throwing up scene.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 20 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the true story of a Spanish family that survived the 2004 Asian tsunami, THE IMPOSSIBLE follows Henry (Ewan McGregor) and Maria (Naomi Watts), a British couple who travels to a luxury resort in Thailand for a Christmas holiday. They have three kids: tween Lucas (Tom Holland) and two younger boys. On Dec. 26, 2004, as the family is playing poolside, the massive tsunami hits the area, sweeping thousands into the ocean. Maria survives the worst but is gravely injured. She finds her oldest, and together she and Lucas attempt to overcome each devastating moment.

Is It Any Good?

Movies about a massively destructive event, whether it's a war or 9/11, can be difficult to watch and even more difficult to make well. By focusing on one family, director Juan Antonio Bayona wisely distills the tsunami tragedy down to the myopic perspective of one distraught woman and her mature-beyond-his-years son. Watts and Holland's interactions beautifully capture the bond between mother and child.

Watts is terrific, and Holland is remarkable -- reminiscent of young Hunter McCracken in The Tree of Life. No longer a little boy but far from a man, Holland's Lucas is fiercely determined to survive and help his mother secure medical attention. Once they safely land at a Thai hospital, the story loses some of its immediacy, but then we find out what happened to the father and brothers thought lost. The Impossible isn't an easy viewing experience, but it reminds us all that even in times of despair, there are moments of hope and small miracles to celebrate.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether The Impossible is a disaster movie or not. How does the depiction of the tsunami compare to other films about catastrophes? Critics have said the movie's ending takes away from its powerful beginning. Do you agree?

  • What feelings do you have while watching this movie? Is it OK to feel happy for the main characters amid so much devastation?

  • Are cinematic deaths resulting from disasters or accidents different than those due to war or other forms of violence?

  • The Impossible is based on a real family's true story. How accurate do you think it is? Why might filmmakers decide to change some details/facts? How could you find out more?

Movie Details

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