The Impossible (2012) – Filming Locations
Drama / Thriller / History · Directed by J. A. Bayona · Starring Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts
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.
Where was The Impossible filmed?
- Khao Lak, Thailand, Khao Lak – The tsunami sequence and immediate aftermath on the beach where the family is caught in the waves. The actual beach town that was devastated by the 2004 tsunami; filming recreated the disaster in the location where it occurred, lending authenticity to the catastrophic opening sequence
- Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok – Henry Bennett's hospital recovery and scenes where the family searches for Maria in Bangkok medical facilities. Real Thai hospital and urban environment used for the medical recovery scenes, providing authentic Thai healthcare settings for the family's search and treatment narrative
- Phang Nga Province, Thailand, Phang Nga – Additional tsunami sequence and water scenes filmed in the bay area near where the disaster occurred. Coastal Thai location used to expand the scale of the tsunami sequence with authentic geography and water conditions from the affected region