Plot: What’s it about?
It’s amazing how certain events mean something to some and not so much to others. I can vividly remember sitting in front of my computer (how most of us get our information these days) and reading about a Tsunami in Thailand that had killed tens of thousands of people. It kind of shows you how fragile we all are and what Mother Nature can really do if she wants to. Converse that with something lie September 11. Granted the total amount of lives lost didn’t compare to the Tsunami, but the sheer magnitude of the day has ripple effects that we’re still feeling. You can’t really put a value on human life. We’ll all die. It’s a fact. But though every hardship, every disaster and tragedy there are some good things to come out of it and The Impossible tells the story of a woman and her child who did manage to survive the odds. This is their story.
We meet the Bennett family, Maria (Naomi Watts) and Henry (Ewan McGregor) on vacation in Thailand for what appears to be a normal Christmas celebration. Maria’s a physician, though she now stays at home and cares for her three kids. Henry is a bit more grounded, though he’s tied up in the details of his life and worries he might lose his job. And then it happens. A Tsunami strikes, separating the family with Maria being badly injured as she manages to find her son, Lucas (Tom Holland). The story follows Maria and Lucas as well as Henry and the other two children, all of which have managed to survive the destruction of the Tsunami.
My college Geology professor told our class one day that if we ever heard the word “Tsunami” that we’re to turn around and run the other way – fast. I doubt I’d have that kind of levity in a situation like the ones the characters face, but maybe, just maybe I’d remember that bit of advice. For all the tragedy that occurred on December 26, 2004 this is actually a true story. I’m sure there are hundreds, if not thousands of other stories like this as well. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor are in top form here, Watts was nominated for Best Actress but lost to Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook. Still if you’re faith in humanity needs to be restored, this might not be a bad film to watch. Tragic? Yes. But ultimately very endearing and satisfying.
Video: How does it look?
Shown in a 2.40: 1 AVC HD transfer The Impossible looks to be in top form. We see the landscape both before, but primarily after the destruction and the detail really brings out the natural beauty of the area. Colors are warm and bright with contrast and black levels never really being an issue. We can see the destruction of the Tsunami and the heartache it brings and the detail is so intricate, it’s not always a good thing (like seeing Maria’s leg wound). This is about what we’ve come to expect from a day and date release on Blu-ray and The Impossible delivers.
Audio: How does it sound?
The DTS HD Master Audio track is one that really adds to the feel of the film. The LFE are working overtime here and it really does give more of a impact to the film, the emotions attached to it and enhances the overall impact. Surrounds chime into to offer an extra bit of depth and the dialogue and vocals sound nice, rich, well centered and lack any distortion. This is a strong soundtrack that really gives us the feeling and power of a natural disaster without actually having to be there. Another technical nice effort here.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The included audio commentary is a real treat as we have the director, J.A. Bayona, Writer Sergio G. Sanchez, Producer Belén Atienza and the actual survivor of the Tsunami, Maria Belón. It’s a great track that gives us the details of the events that transpired, it’s technical but never lags and is boring. Fans of the film will be very inspired by the track and its supporting information. Moving on we find two featurettes: “Casting The Impossible” focusing on the actors in the film and “Realizing The Impossible” which gives us a look at some of the effects used in the film. Five deleted scenes are included as well as the original theatrical trailer.
