One families struggle to survive the Boxing Day tsunami of 2006

Rating: 8/10 (26 July 2013)

When a family go to Thailand for Christmas in 2006 they expect to have a relaxing time in a tropical paradise; they don't expect to get caught up in the worst natural disaster of modern times. When the tsunami hits mother Maria and eldest son Lucas are swept away and can only believe that father Henry and younger sons Thomas and Simon must have perished. The two of them struggle though the water and manage to get to safety although Maria is badly injured; even though they get to a hospital it is by no means certain that she will not die of her injuries. Meanwhile it becomes apparent that the rest of the family has survived and Henry is desperate to find his wife and son amongst the ruins.
This isn't like most disaster films; mostly because it is based on real events but also because little time is wasted introducing the characters instead the disaster strikes in early on and the rest of the film follows their struggle to survive. The tsunami itself was shot in a way that made it look terrifying and there were many wince inducing moments were we see how Maria sustains her injuries. The sense of realism was increased by the lack of dramatic music during these scenes; we just hear the water and the screams of the survivors. I feared the tension would be lowered by knowing the outcome but it managed to be exciting though out. Stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor were great as Maria and Henry as was young Tom Holland who had a substantial role as Lucas.
There are some pleasantly uplifting moments when we see families reunited but the film doesn't shy away from showing the impact of the tragedy as we see many bodies as they travel through the country and search for each other. Overall I'd say this is well worth watching although it is quite gruelling at times so probably isn't suitable for younger viewers.