“Close your eyes and think of something nice,” are the calming words used as a mantra throughout “The Impossible” as the Bennett family struggles with their fears in the wake of a devastating tsunami that turns their lives upside down.

The film is based on the true story of the Belón family, who were swept apart during the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. It is a terrifying and heartbreaking film that captures both the horror of disaster and the strength of family in every scene.

Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona, director of the 2007 horror film “The Orphanage,” returns strong after his film debut to bring audiences “The Impossible.” Working again with writer Sergio G. Sánchez, the two men prove yet again that together they make cinematic magic.

Bayona builds up the drama in this film brilliantly. While the story line follows the Bennett family throughout the tragedy, Bayona does not neglect the millions of others affected by the tsunami. There is a constant reminder of its devastation throughout the film, ending with a view of the destruction of a once beautiful land.

Naomi Watts’ performance as mother Maria Bennett has earned her both an Oscar and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Watts is known for her roles in “Mulholland Drive” and “21 Grams,” and will be able to add her role in “The Impossible” to her list of achievements.

Ewan McGregor plays husband Henry Bennett. He delivers an emotional performance as a father determined to pick up the pieces of his shattered family.

Watts and McGregor have both earned praise for their roles in “The Impossible,” but the real star of the film is Tom Holland who played the eldest son Lucas Bennett. Holland’s only prior work in film is as the voice of Shô in the 2010 UK version of “The Secret World of Arrietty.”

Lucas is both strong and full of childhood innocence. He fights hard to ensure that he and his mother survive, convinced she is all he has left in the world. This brave boy displays a maturity beyond his years when dealing with the disaster.

Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast played the Bennett’s youngest sons, Thomas and Simon, respectively. The two newcomers, however, were not featured in the film as much as the rest of the cast, appearing mostly to showcase how two very young boys might try to understand what happened to them.

“The Impossible” is not a film for the faint of heart, earning its “R” rating. The physical and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters is vividly displayed across the screen for all to see. Yet despite all of this, “The Impossible” should be towards the top of a movie-goer’s must see list.