The Impossible (2012): cast, story & where to watch

2012 · Film · ★ 7.4

The Impossible poster

Released in 2012, The Impossible is a thriller, drama, adventure and horror film directed by J. A. Bayona, running about 113 minutes. “Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. 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.

Who’s in it. The Impossible stars Naomi Watts as Maria Bennett, Ewan McGregor as Henry Bennett, Tom Holland as Lucas Bennett and Samuel Joslin as Thomas Bennett, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.4/10, The Impossible has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $198.1M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Impossible page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Impossible tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Impossible (2012)?
In US, The Impossible is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
Is The Impossible worth watching?
The Impossible holds an audience score of 7.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama, adventure and horror. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Impossible?
The Impossible stars Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast.
When was The Impossible released?
The Impossible was released in 2012, with a runtime of about 113 minutes.