The Impossible

My review: The Impossible 

Long over due finally we get to see a disaster drama based on the 2004 Tsunami. Juan Antonio Bayona's "The Impossible" scripted by Sergio G. Sanchez strictly follows the template of a disaster drama with a feel-good ending. At times it gets too mushy with contrived feel-goodness where the artificiality rakes in which waters down the overall good that the movie manages to achieve.

Movie has one of the most chilling and realistic visualization of the Tsunami and its aftermath. Also it captures the shock, agony and nightmares of the victims in actuality. It is a ode to the numerous kindhearted human beings across the globe during those challenging times who saved many lives. Also it beautifully captures the powerlessness of the humans in front of larger power of the nature and how much of a humbling experience it would lead to.

Apart from the visual effects and emotional connectivity that the movie has with the viewers, acting is top notch. Tom Holland as the eldest son of the family Lucas is brilliant. It is his first feature film but he has done a sterling job ala a veteran. He is closely followed by Naomi Watts who brings in her experience to the forefront in a challenging role. She effortlessly brings on screen the mental and physical agony of her character which worsens as the movie progresses. Superlative effort from her indeed. Ewan McGregor is okay, he doesn't have much of a screen space.

Oscar Faura's cinematography is awesome with great deal of help from the visual effects and CG department. Fernando Velazquez's background score lends support to the movie in enhancing its emotional reach.

If only the makers steered away from unnecessary forced in feel-goodedness and titillation ( a case of poor direction or inattention to details or voyeuristic sojourn on the part of the makers, Naomi is shown wearing a bikini underneath her top when the Tsunami strikes but a while later shown with a torn top with nothing underneath which do get highlighted dramatically..!!!  )

If one can overlook these blips, "The Impossible" is a movie one can watch in theater for its visual effects and the celebration of the spirit of human nature above all these disasters. 

Bottomline: Over-rated

3/5