Viewers have praised a film inspired by a devastating real-life event as a masterpiece, and it's screening on television this evening.

Featuring an impressive ensemble, The Impossible is a 2012 release starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, alongside a young Tom Holland and Samuel Joslin.

The picture chronicles a family holidaying in Thailand who become separated during the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The narrative tracks their agonising ordeal and frantic efforts to find one another amid the carnage and devastation wrought by the natural catastrophe. The production draws from actual events, centring on their struggle to survive and the bravery, kindness, and resilience they discover.

The picture is inspired by the Spanish family of Enrique Álvarez and María Belón and their three sons and their battle for survival in 2004. On Rotten Tomatoes, the production has garnered considerable acclaim, with one assessment writing: "Devastating- this movie will wreck your nerves and make you super anxious because you so quickly care for these characters.

"Realistic gore, horror of a natural disaster, and also the relief that comes when finding your loved ones. This film's practical effects are also crazy impressive - immediately during the tsunami scene my partner and I wondered how they did it, and we thought a massive wave pool with a green screen on a huge scale, and although that is accurate the images of the set are insane. I cannot believe how much of this film is practical effects. It's truly incredible.", reports the Mirror.

One viewer said: "This movie was incredibly filmed and looked as if you were there experiencing this natural disaster! This movie is something I will watch over and over again and not get tired of it! I would recommend this to people who want to watch true stories! Again, so good! Incredible!"

Another added: "The Impossible's fantastic cast grab your heart and squeeze for all it's worth. This survival piece is a tearful exploration of both pain and hope in disaster,".

Film buffs have also lauded young Spiderman actor Tom Holland for his stellar performance, with one review saying: "Tom Holland's performance in this movie, as a child actor, is nothing short of astonishing. "This film is a heart-pounding reenactment of a tidal wave's affect on a vacationing family. Never slow, and it invests you start to finish."

Another viewer wrote: "This movie will open all your senses to being terrified, repulsed, shocked, heartbroken and so much more, the actors are brilliant especially the two main characters (mother and son) Naomi Watts and a very young Tom Holland, I would recommend this movie to anyone. " One more wrote: "I loved this movie Tom Holland and the cast were excellent!!".

The Impossible airs on BBC One at 11.50pm on Saturday 29 November.