The Impossible

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2013)

In 2007, Spanish no-namer Juan Antonio Bayona released his debut film, "El Orfanato," or as we English speaking folk say, "The Orphanage." I saw that film based on glowing recommendations from a few people I follow on Twitter, who's opinions regarding movies tend to be similar to mine. Despite those recommendations, I didn't have huge expectations going in. A horror flick from an unknown director; how good could it be? I was blown away, and instantly made a note to remember this talented director whose artistic vision proved to be entrancing and hypnotic.
Five years later, he's returned with "The Impossible." You probably remember the awful disaster that took place in southeast Asia in 2004. It was all over the news, and the estimated death toll capped 230 thousand. "The Impossible" tells the true story of a family that survived the disaster, and despite the PG-13 rating, the images shown on screen are gruesomely realistic. Calling "The Impossible" the best disaster movie ever made doesn't even do it justice, because it's something more. It's a heartwrenching, captivating, and moving tale; and one of the very best films of the year.
The film tells the true story of Maria and Henry Bellon, played flawlessly by Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, and their three children, Lucas, Simon, and Thomas, and their awe-aspiring story of survival. Lucas is played by a young actor named Tom Holland, and his performance blew me away. Watching the film, I was perhaps SO impressed because I assumed Holland was twelve or thirteen, similar to the age of his character. He's actually sixteen, but, nevertheless, the performance remains a great one. There is; however, an even greater performance that deserves recognition. The brilliant Naomi Watts is pitch-perfect in the lead role as Maria, the family member who came closest to increasing the tsunami's death toll by one. There will be an injustice if she doesn't finally get the Best Actress Oscar she's deserved for so long. After her haunting and hypnotic showing in "Mulholland Dr.", and her powerful performance in "21 Grams", she still remains Oscar-less. I'm not saying it's right to hand someone an Oscar because they are overdue. Watts deserves it. In my eyes, the only other real contender, despite great displays of acting from Jessica Chastain, Emmanuelle Riva, Mary Elisabeth-Winstead, and Marion Cotillard, is Jennifer Lawrence for her fantastic work in "Silver Linings Playbook". The difference between the two performances, I think, is only that Naomi's performance is more inspired. Someone lived what she acted. I'd like to see Naomi win Best Actress, and I'd like to see the real Maria Bellon up on stage to accept the award with her.
Another important aspect of "The Impossible" to note is its stunning visual spectacle. This is a film a few years in the making that shows time was taken to create a realism in the production design and special effects that leaves a startling impact. It should definitely receive a Best Visual Effects nomination come Thursday, instead of films like "The Avengers" or "Skyfall," because it's recreated real life, not just playing with fire and making the sky look cool. "The Impossible" is a film of power and a film of importance, and it should be treated as such. I urge you to flock to the theaters and see this movie. It's an experience unlike any other, and it'll take a piece out of you.