Critic Reviews
73
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
33(79%)
mixed
7(17%)
negative
2(5%)
Showing 42 Critic Reviews
Sep 12, 2012
100
The Impossible is one of the most emotionally realistic disaster movies in recent memory -- and certainly one of the most frightening in its epic re-creation of the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Dec 12, 2012
100
Put a staggering accomplishment called The Impossible, from Spanish director J. A. Bayona, at the top of the season's must-see list.
Jan 3, 2013
100
Perilous incidents have riveted audiences since Pauline was tied to the railroad tracks, but in the hundred-year history of cinema, few thrillers have been as emotionally compelling as The Impossible.
Jan 3, 2013
91
An extraordinarily gut-wrenching, intense story of survival against all odds.
Dec 20, 2012
90
The Impossible is technologically a marvel - the tsunami experience is harrowingly believable - but also emotionally rich. I hesitate to use this term, since it is so often equated with hokey, but The Impossible is life-affirming.
Dec 20, 2012
90
Yet it's not just the visuals that make the movie what it is, a thrilling, if also punishing, tale of heroic endurance. The Impossible, based on a true story, derives most of its impressive power from two remarkable performances: Naomi Watts as Maria, and Tom Holland as Lucas.
Dec 18, 2012
88
The go-for-broke intensity and emotional layering Watts brings to her role is an acting triumph. And McGregor matches her in a performance of ferocity and feeling.
Dec 20, 2012
88
Watts is extraordinary - she manages both the physical and emotional demands of the role, with soul-deep conviction.
