The Impossible

The Impossible

Year: 2012

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

ActionDramaHistoryThriller

During a Christmas vacation in Thailand, a family is separated and struggles to survive when a devastating tsunami hits. Amidst the chaos and destruction, a mother's fierce determination to find her sons is tested as they fight for survival. The experience highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family in the face of unimaginable tragedy, showcasing both the terror of the disaster and unexpected acts of kindness.

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Timeline – The Impossible (2012)

Trace every key event in The Impossible (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in Thailand

Maria Bennett, her husband Henry, and their three sons arrive at a beautiful resort in Khao Lak, Thailand for a Christmas holiday. This marks the beginning of what they hope will be a joyful and memorable family vacation.

December 2004 Khao Lak, Thailand
2

The Tsunami Strikes

On December 26, 2004, disaster strikes as a massive tsunami hits the coastal area where the Bennett family is vacationing. The serene landscape quickly transforms into chaos, sweeping Maria and her family into a struggle for survival.

December 26, 2004 Khao Lak, Thailand
3

Maria's Injury

Amidst the destruction, Maria suffers severe injuries to her leg during the disaster. Despite her pain, her instinct to protect her family drives her to keep searching for her lost son, Lucas, while desperately trying to cope with her situation.

4

Helping a Lost Boy

While trying to survive, Maria encounters a lost boy named Daniel and bravely insists they help him. Together, she and Lucas find refuge in a tree as they await rescue from the devastating waves.

5

Rescue by Villagers

Local villagers arrive on the scene and rescue Maria and Lucas, transporting them to a nearby hospital. They manage to use a door as a makeshift stretcher for Maria, emphasizing the chaos of the unfolding disaster.

6

Hospital Concerns

Once at the hospital, Maria's concerns about her leg heighten. She urges Lucas to monitor her injury, reminding him to alert her if it grows worse, while encouraging him to assist other injured patients.

Hospital
7

Lucas's Heartbreak

In a tragic hospital mix-up, Lucas believes that his mother has died. Left feeling alone and lost in a tent with other displaced children, he struggles with the memory of his family and the fear of being forgotten.

Hospital Tent
8

Henry's Determination

Meanwhile, Henry is frantic as he tries to keep Tomas and Simon safe. He sends them off with a vehicle full of tourists to a safe haven while he embarks on a desperate search to find Maria and Lucas.

9

Connection with Karl

During his search, Henry meets a German tourist named Karl who offers him a phone to contact his father-in-law, Brian. This brief connection represents Henry's attempt to reach out amidst the overwhelming fear of losing his family.

10

Fleeting Recognition

In a dramatic twist, Henry walks past Maria's hospital room. For a brief moment, Maria catches a glimpse of her husband's shadow, though her weakened state prevents her from calling out to him.

Hospital
11

Brothers United

Lucas spots his father in a crowd but loses him just as quickly. However, in a heartwarming reunion, he hears his brothers' voices and races towards them as Tomas and Simon leap from a truck to find their sibling.

12

Reunion with Maria

The family finally comes together after a long and traumatic series of events. Lucas informs Henry that their mother is in the hospital, prompting immediate concern and relief in the chaotic aftermath.

Hospital
13

Maria's Surgery

The family learns that Maria is gravely ill and urgently needs surgery. After a successful procedure, a representative from their insurance arrives to arrange for their transport to a hospital in Singapore for further treatment.

Hospital
14

Daniel's Reunion

In a touching moment, Lucas shares with his family that Daniel, the boy they rescued earlier, has been reunited with his father. This brief moment of joy amidst the tragedy highlights the bonds formed during their ordeal.

15

Looking Back

As their plane ascends towards safety, Maria gazes out the window, witnessing the sheer devastation of the landscape left behind by the tsunami. Tearfully, she reflects on both the heartbreak and the miraculous hope of their survival.

On the plane

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 22:50

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The Impossible Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Impossible

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