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The Impossible (Review Paper) - Biteño, C.A

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34 views

The Impossible (Review Paper) - Biteño, C.A

Uploaded by

chrisandreajbiteno
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Biteño, Chris Andrea J.

4PSY02

Disaster and Mental Health

REFLECTION PAPER: The Impossible (2012)

The Impossible, directed by J.A. Bayona, takes us into the heart of a family’s struggle for

survival during the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Based on true events, the film doesn't

just tell the story of Maria, Henry, and their three sons facing the waves, it dives deeply into how

human beings cope, support each other, and ultimately heal in the face of unimaginable trauma.

Watching this family endure the chaos of nature’s power, we’re reminded of the resilience and

emotional strength people can draw upon in the darkest of times. This essay explores the emotional

responses, mental health impacts, and coping strategies shown in the film, alongside a personal

reflection on how these themes reveal the value of family support and resilience.

The characters’ initial emotional reactions feel raw and authentic, capturing the shock and

fear of a sudden disaster. Maria, played beautifully by Naomi Watts, finds herself overwhelmed by

the tsunami, disoriented and injured, but her immediate response is to protect her son, Lucas. Her

focus on him shows the primal, protective bond parents have for their children, reflecting

attachment theory’s concept of the caregiver’s instinct to safeguard their child even under

extreme stress. Henry (Ewan McGregor), separated from his wife and sons, is paralyzed by fear and

heartbreak, embodying the distress of separation and the desperation to know his family’s fate.

Lucas and his brothers, especially as young children, show both the terror of the unknown and a

touching resilience, especially as Lucas rises to care for his mother. These different reactions

remind us of the variety of ways people might respond to sudden, life-changing events.
Beyond the initial shock, the disaster has serious mental health implications for each family

member. Facing this kind of trauma is likely to leave lasting scars. For Maria, the experience could

lead to symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, anxiety, or a feeling of helplessness—a common

response for survivors of intense natural disasters. Henry’s frantic search for his family could

leave him with what is known as survivor’s guilt, wondering if he could have done more or feeling

guilt for being alive when others were lost. The children, especially Lucas, bear their own burden:

Lucas is forced to step up and act as a caretaker, which may impact his mental health as he deals

with the pressure and fear he experienced. Watching these characters struggle with such raw

emotions and mental strain shows us how trauma doesn’t end once the danger has passed. The

psychological weight often remains, sometimes for years.

In facing these mental health challenges, each family member relies on different coping

strategies that reveal their resilience and bond as a family. Maria, though severely injured, finds

strength in her role as a mother, symbolizing how a sense of purpose, especially one rooted in love,

can provide a powerful source of resilience. Lucas, on the other hand, shows problem-focused

coping by taking on responsibilities in the hospital, helping others, and refusing to give up hope.

His actions underline a young person’s ability to adapt under pressure, showing remarkable

courage. Henry’s journey, largely solitary and driven by hope, is also deeply moving. He draws

strength from both internal resolve and the support of other survivors he encounters, underscoring

how even brief connections with others can make a difference in times of crisis.

Reflecting on The Impossible changed how I think about trauma and resilience. Watching

this family’s struggle put into perspective the immense emotional impact disasters have on people,

and it left me feeling grateful for the everyday stability we sometimes take for granted. The film

also reinforced the critical role that family support plays in recovery. Seeing Maria and Henry rely
on each other and their children during their darkest moments reminded me that even in the worst

situations, people can find strength through connection. Their story highlights how empathy,

compassion, and love are essential for helping us survive and eventually heal from life’s greatest

challenges.

In the end, The Impossible shows us that resilience doesn’t mean going through trauma

alone. Instead, it’s about relying on the support of those we love, finding hope in the smallest

moments, and facing adversity with as much courage as we can muster. This story of survival is a

testament to the power of the human spirit and the boundless potential for healing through family

and community. We’re left with a deeper appreciation for life, a reminder of the preciousness of

loved ones, and the awareness that, like the family in The Impossible, we are all stronger than we

often believe.

References:

McLeod, S. (2017). Attachment theory. Simply Psychology.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families

Walsh, F. (2007). Traumatic loss and major disasters: Strengthening family and community

resilience. Family Process, 46(2), 207-227. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1545-5300.2007.00205.x

Bayona, J. A. (Director). (2012). The Impossible [Film]. Apaches Entertainment.

https://flixhd.cc/movie/watch-the-impossible-full-18380

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