Is The Impossible on Netflix a true story?

Starring Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and a young Tom Holland, The Impossible premiered in the United States on January 4, 2012. The film is now on Netflix and it’s currently in the Top #10 on the streaming platform.

The movie tells the story of a family attempting to stay together and stay alive while fleeing from a natural disaster in Thailand.

If you’re wondering whether or not The Impossible is based on true events, then look no further. We have the answer for you!

Is The Impossible based on true events?

The Impossible is, in fact, based on a harrowing true story. In 2004, a Spanish doctor named María Belón was on vacation in Thailand with her husband Enrique and their sons, Lucas, Simón and Tomás.

It was then that the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami inundated the region, causing thousands of deaths across numerous countries. The event was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.

Belón and her family were relaxing by the pool when the storm hit. Belón was swept away from her family in the chaos and sustained major injuries. She was able to tend to some of her wounds using palm tree leaves! I think that’s so incredible.

Belón was eventually taken to the hospital, where she reunited with her family and recovered from her injuries.

María Belón is played by Naomi Watts in the film, although the character’s name was changed to Maria Bennett. Her tale of survival against seemingly insurmountable odds was the inspiration for The Impossible.