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The Impossible

The Impossible

Drama · Thriller · History · 2012

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.

Movie details

The Impossible

“Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.”

2012 Drama · Thriller · History 1h 53m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.4 / 10

Community rating

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.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Impossible?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Everest

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Eye of the Needle

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Where it lives

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

J. A. Bayona

Written by

María Belón · Sergio G. Sánchez

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts

Maria Bennett

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor

Henry Bennett

Tom Holland

Tom Holland

Lucas Bennett

Samuel Joslin

Samuel Joslin

Thomas Bennett

Oaklee Pendergast

Oaklee Pendergast

Simon Bennett

Marta Etura

Marta Etura

Simone

Sönke Möhring

Sönke Möhring

Karl Schweber

Court is in session

Put The Impossible on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.