Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (9/10)

“We live and die in the shadows, for those we hold close… and for those we’ve never met.”

Whenever Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, one thing is certain: I will not miss it.

As expected, every scene is heart-pounding—Cruise runs, jumps, rolls, and leaps—all without a stunt double. The audience is left breathless, yet he remains composed. His commitment to performing his own stunts continues to elevate the franchise's authenticity and adrenaline.

Since its debut in 1996, the Mission: Impossible franchise has transcended mere high-stakes action and high-tech espionage. What I have come to value most is the humanistic portrayal of Ethan Hunt—a secret agent who willingly sacrifices himself to protect the lives of others.

In Mission: Impossible – Fallout, for instance, when his teammates suggest a ruthless strategy for the sake of the mission, Hunt opts for a more ethical and safer alternative. This internal conflict resurfaces in The Final Reckoning, where his personal ideals clash with an existential threat—The Entity, an artificial intelligence that views human beings as expendable tools.

The Final Reckoning offers more than explosions and chase sequences; it provokes deeper questions—what is the cost of holding onto one’s principles in a world designed to manipulate?

For me, several elements stand out:

The submarine sequence – reminiscent of the classic film The Hunt for Red October. As an enthusiast of submarine-themed films, I found this particular scene both nostalgic and exhilarating.

Paris (Pom Klementieff) – a morally conflicted assassin whose character arc hints at redemption. I couldn’t help but recall her portrayal of “Mantis” in Guardians of the Galaxy, though this performance reveals a darker, more enigmatic side.

Admiral Neely (Hannah Waddingham) – previously known for her comedic role as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, Waddingham reemerges here as a stern and commanding naval officer. Her versatility is nothing short of impressive.

Critics may argue that the film follows a familiar formula—saving the world, the loss of loved ones, and implausible stunts. That may be partially true. However, I regard The Final Reckoning as a fittingly emotional and epic conclusion to a franchise that has accompanied us for nearly three decades.

29 years. 7 films. One character. Ethan Hunt.

I do not claim to be a film critic—just an ordinary viewer who appreciates stories with heart and integrity. The Final Reckoning is a gift to those of us who grew up with these impossible missions.

And now, that mission has come to an end.