The Impossible (2013 Review)

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The Impossible is an absorbing disaster drama - buoyed by brutally precise directions and raw performances from a stupendous cast. This film is one of the year's best, and is by far the most emotionally affecting.

Although the directions can be superfluously stylish at times, the film is largely brutal and gritty. The masterful use of CGI intricately recreates the mass devastation of the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Seeing those monstrous waves devour the coastal resorts and its helpless inhabitants - one cannot help but be reminded of the fragility of life. Conversely, our brave characters illuminate us with their fearless displays of human compassion, and remind us all of the unwavering power of humanity and of love.

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Naomi Watts is entirely empathetic as a mother grasping onto every breath to ensure the survival of her family. From the desperate and undying fire in her eyes - shown in effective, prolonged close-ups - to her howls of unimaginable pain and the unrelenting screams for her son, Watts is unrestrained in showcasing the selflessness of maternal love.

There is an incredibly involving scene where Watts' character and her eldest son fight the indefatigable current to get each other to safer grounds; ignoring the searing pain caused by the gaping hole in her leg, she holds him tightly in her arms and whispers "I'm scared too". There is a quieter scene where they are waiting on the high branches of  a tree with a lost child they have saved; the child innocently plays with her hair, she smiles and holds his little hand to tell him that she shan't let anything happen to him. At this point, I cried - without apologies.

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Now, I am not saying that Jennifer Lawrence's turn as a passionately fiery widow in Silver Linings Playbook is not perfect in its own way, but Naomi Watts is perfect to the whisper. Watts, even in this raw portrayal, oozes a sense of dignified grace that makes her screen presence so commanding. I know she will not win, but Watts deserves the Oscar gold for this extraordinarily human performance.

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Ewan McGregor, although not as compelling to observe mostly because his parts are not as well-scripted, brings the same fire and conviction to his delivery; his tears of helplessness are undeniably heart-wrenching. The film also owes many thanks to its child stars, who rival Watts in rawness and presence, and whose contributions resurrect the soul-wrenching terror and pain of that unforgettable disaster.

 I remember following the television reports and praying that the death toll would stop rising; even then, I was simply an observer and I could not have fathomed the true extent of the victims' suffering. One can sympathise, but does one ever truly know? This film cracks the fourth wall, and we plunge into the ocean of emotions headfirst; although the pain is not completely vivid to us - we cry so easily because we earnestly empathise with and feel for the characters. That is an amazing feat of story-telling.

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The film is not flawless, but any flaw is deemed insignificant. The miraculous true story is not easy to narrate, and could have been greatly contrived. However, The Impossible - like its heroes - treks the inconvenient, rocky path to bring to life this compelling, intense and mightily moving human drama.

How truly wonderful it is to be human and feel alive!?
I love y'all.