<P> The Impossible (Spanish: Lo Imposible) is a 2012 disaster drama film directed by J.A. Bayona and written by Sergio G. Sánchez . It is based on the experience of María Belón and her family in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami . The cast includes Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland . </P> <P> The film received positive reviews from critics for its direction and its acting, especially for Watts who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress--Motion Picture Drama, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role . </P> <P> Henry Bennett (Ewan McGregor), his wife Maria (Naomi Watts), and their three sons Lucas (Tom Holland), Thomas (Samuel Joslin), and Simon (Oaklee Pendergast) go on a Christmas holiday in 2004 to Khao Lak, Thailand . Arriving on Christmas Eve, they settle in and begin to enjoy the brand new Orchid Beach Resort . Two days later on Boxing Day, the massive 2004 tsunami inundates the area . </P> <P> Maria and Lucas eventually emerge from the swirling water and find one another, with Maria having sustained serious injuries to her leg and chest . They help a young boy, Daniel, from the wreckage and are soon found by locals who transfer them to a local hospital in the city of Takua Pa . Daniel is separated from them during the journey . At the hospital, Maria encourages Lucas to help others find their family members while she goes into surgery for her chest injuries . </P>

Where did the movie the impossible take place