The Impossible
“Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-09-03
Top Cast
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Naomi Watts
Maria Bennett
Ewan McGregor
Henry Bennett
Tom Holland
Lucas Bennett
Samuel Joslin
Thomas Bennett
Oaklee Pendergast
Simon Bennett
Marta Etura
Simone
Sönke Möhring
Karl Schweber
Geraldine Chaplin
Old Woman
Ploy Jindachote
Caregiver
Jomjaoi Sae-Limh
Red Cross Nurse
Johan Sundberg
Daniel
Jan Roland Sundberg
Daniel's Father
La-Orng Thongruang
Old Thai Man
Tor Klathaley
Young Thai Man
Douglas Johansson
Mr. Benstrom
Emilio Riccardi
Morten Benstrom
Vorarat Jutakeo
Doctor in Stockroom
Karun Konsaman
Young Nurse in Stockroom
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
December 21, 2012
Wide Cinema Exhibition
May 2, 2013
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$45M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$198.1M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
4.4x
+$153.1M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- J. A. Bayona
- Screenplay & Story
- María Belón, Sergio G. Sánchez
- Original Score
- Fernando Velázquez
- Original Title
- The Impossible
- Country of Origin
- Spain, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Swedish, Thai
- Runtime
- 1h 53m
- Production Budget
- $45M
- Worldwide Gross
- $198.1M
- Production Studios
- Apache Films, Telecinco Cinema, La Trini, Canal+ España, Summit Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
J. A. Bayona
María Belón, Sergio G. Sánchez
Fernando Velázquez
Óscar Faura
Bernat Vilaplana, Elena Ruiz
Belén Atienza, Álvaro Augustín, Ghislain Barrois, Enrique López Lavigne, Sandra Hermida
Department Leadership Roster
J. A. Bayona
Director
Fernando Velázquez
Original Music Composer
Óscar Faura
Director of Photography
Belén Atienza
Producer
Álvaro Augustín
Producer
Ghislain Barrois
Producer
Anna Bingemann
Costume Design
Sparka Lee Hall
Costume Design
María Reyes
Costume Design
Eugenio Caballero
Production Design
Enrique López Lavigne
Producer
Bernat Vilaplana
Editor
Elena Ruiz
Editor
Félix Bergés
Visual Effects Supervisor
Sergio G. Sánchez
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Impossible.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Impossible
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Impossible 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 directed The Impossible?
The Impossible was directed by J. A. Bayona.
Who stars in The Impossible?
The principal cast of The Impossible includes Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast.
When was The Impossible released and how long is it?
The Impossible was released in 2012 with a total runtime of 1h 53m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Impossible?
The Impossible had a reported production budget of $45M and grossed $198.1M at the worldwide box office (4.4 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for The Impossible?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Impossible was composed by Fernando Velázquez.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Impossible?
The Impossible holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 12A (12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).