Is The Impossible Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Impossible is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Impossible Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, The Impossible emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In December 2004, close-knit family Maria, Henry and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand. Unlike standard genre fare, The Impossible attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Impossible features a noteworthy lineup led by Naomi Watts . Supported by the likes of Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Impossible (2012) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Impossible Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Impossible is a Drama, Thriller, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. In December 2004, close-knit family Maria, Henry and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand. But the day after Christmas, the idyllic holiday turns into an incomprehensible nightmare when a terrifying roar rises from the depths of the sea, followed by a wall of black water that devours everything in its path. Though Maria and her family face their darkest hour, unexpected displays of kindness and courage ameliorate their terror. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences—love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
The Impossible Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Impossible resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Impossible reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Impossible Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Impossible draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, thriller, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Impossible adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Impossible?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Impossible Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $45.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $198.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Impossible Budget
The estimated production budget for The Impossible is $45.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Impossible
- Naomi Watts – Maria Bennett
- Ewan McGregor – Henry Bennett
- Tom Holland – Lucas Bennett
- Samuel Joslin – Thomas Bennett
- Oaklee Pendergast – Simon Bennett
Top Highlights
Naomi WattsMaria Bennett
Ewan McGregorHenry Bennett
Tom HollandLucas Bennett
Samuel JoslinThomas Bennett
Oaklee PendergastSimon Bennett
Marta EturaSimone
Sönke MöhringKarl Schweber
Geraldine ChaplinOld Woman
Ploy JindachoteCaregiver
Jomjaoi Sae-LimhRed Cross Nurse
Where to Watch The Impossible Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Impossible is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Impossible stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Impossible movie hit or flop?
The Impossible is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Thriller, History movies.
Is The Impossible worth watching?
Yes, The Impossible is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Thriller, History cinema.
Where can I watch The Impossible online?
The Impossible may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Impossible
Incredible story with remarkable performances by Naomi Watts and Tom Holland and amazing staging. However, Bayona repeats the same mistakes from other movies like "The Orphanage" when he creates an uneasy situation through some unexplained weird behavior.
Another amazing story based in truth. I think it's called The Impossible because those sets must have been near impossible.
After a bit of a bumpy flight to Thailand, a family arrive in Phuket for what ought to have been a dream holiday. Well mother nature had other plans and a earthquake far out at sea generated a series of tsunamis that we now know killed almost a quarter of a million people. That could well have included "Henry" (Ewan McGregor), "Maria" (Naomi Watts) and their children "Lucas" (Tom Holland), "Simon" (Oaklee Pendergast) and "Thomas" (Samuel Joslin) but despite being out in the first wave of the encroaching water, they somehow manage to cling onto anything that will float, to the sturdy trunks of the trees and though separated do survive. That's just the start of their troubles, though - "Maria" is severely injured and with their elder and quite smart son "Lukas". The others - so we are fortunately spared much of the mediocre McGregor - are elsewhere with all looking to repatriate amidst the chaos of debris and mayhem left by the now retreated seawater. The thrust of the drama features mother and son, with quite decent and convincing efforts from both as they must make it to some semblance of safety and then try to get much needed medical help. It's based on the real event, and the photography quite potently illustrates just how devastating the waves were on these low lying islands that were designed for pleasure and tranquility - there were no sea defences and the structures ill-prepared for the sheer power of the swell. There's a spirit to the narrative too - the locals and the tourists all mucking together to help in a veritable hotchpotch of languages and priorities. The pacing is frenetic at times, lingering at others and that also helps give us a sense of the perils faced by all trying to come to terms with the destruction and this is a surprisingly better watch than I was expecting.
Movies like this make me very sad. 😭😭😭 They also frighten me. The acting is superb.
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