Eight years ago, lives changed forever when the Indian Ocean tsunami hit, releasing the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs, destroying property from Africa to Thailand and leaving more than 150,000 dead or missing.
"The Impossible," directed by J. A. Bayona, is the true story of one family's survival. The trailer is a haunting reminder of how the 2004 tragedy changed lives forever.
"The Impossible" stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor as Maria and Henry. In the trailer, the couple and their three sons begin a seemingly-perfect vacation in Thailand, a tropical paradise. On the morning of December 26th, the family relaxes around the pool after a night of Christmas celebrations. Soon, a roar is heard from the center of the earth and an gigantic wall of water comes towards the hotel.
The film tells the story of this family, separated from each other and lost in the mayhem of one of the worst natural disasters in history.
Bayona's work may just snag him an Academy Award as Oscar buzz is already surrounding "The Impossible" and its director. Summit Entertainment claimed the Best Picture and Best Director awards for Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" in 2009.
The studio is making a big move with "The Impossible," hitting theaters on Dec. 21, in the thick of awards season and just days before the anniversary. It will offer a one-two punch with the much-anticipated "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.
LOOK: Stills from "The Impossible," starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, due out Dec. 21. 
