MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

Ethan Hunt has been framed, disavowed, blown up, drowned, betrayed, married, widowed, and helicoptered straight through hell. He’s stolen the NOC List, lost his friends, and blasted a helicopter out of the sky with a stick of chewing gum (Mission: Impossible, 1996). He’s faced megalomaniacs with bioweapons (M:I-2, 2000), lost a protégé to an exploding brain chip, and his wife to the job—while chasing a MacGuffin named the Rabbit’s Foot (M:I-3, 2006). He’s watched the Kremlin go up in smoke, scaled the Burj Khalifa with suction-cup gloves, outrun a sandstorm on foot (Ghost Protocol), taken down the Syndicate (Rogue Nation), and fought villains on bullet trains, in bathroom stalls, and in midair. Through it all, his hair remains undefeated.

He’s taken on shadow governments, rogue algorithms, and Henry Cavill with a mustache that launched a thousand memes (Fallout). Ethan has held the fate of humanity in one hand and a live detonator in the other. Every mission?

“Impossible.” Every time? He said yes. Every time? He pulled it off. But now—it all leads here. The Final Reckoning.

This isn’t just Ethan’s reckoning. It’s a reckoning for every call he made, every life he touched, every moment he borrowed from fate in the name of saving the world. Because this time, the enemy doesn’t want domination. It wants control—not just over governments, but over reality itself. Over truth. Over you.

This isn’t just another mission. It’s the final gambit. And when the mask finally comes off… what’s left underneath? Let’s dive to the bottom of the Bering Sea—into the icy, high-stakes, reality-bending world of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

What happened in Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning?

In Dead Reckoning, Ethan Hunt confronts his most terrifying 2020s nightmare yet: not nukes, not supervillains, but a rogue, sentient AI. It’s called The Entity—a ghost in the machine that’s gone off-grid and is now manipulating the very fabric of digital reality. Whoever commands it, controls the truth itself. Propaganda, perception, surveillance, secrets—rewritten with a keystroke. Naturally, every nation wants it. Ethan? He decides no one should.

He rallies the old gang—Benji, Luther, and Ilsa—for a globe-spanning mission that races through data shadows, shifting allegiances, and some very expensive practical effects. Their job? Keep the Entity out of the wrong hands. And yes, there are wrong hands—starting with Gabriel, a specter from Ethan’s past, turned genocidal messenger for the machine. A human weapon with a personal grudge and a blood pact with the AI.

New face on the team? Meet Grace—a master thief with zero interest in spy games, who finds herself in way over her head. But Grace doesn’t just survive the chaos—she becomes crucial to it. From chaotic car chases through Rome in a laughably small yellow Fiat (seatbelts not included), to a breathtaking motorcycle freefall off a cliff, to a nail-biting climax aboard a runaway train barreling toward oblivion, the action doesn’t let up for a second.

But this isn’t the end—it’s the prologue. The Entity’s secret, the key to its origin and perhaps its undoing, lies beneath the ocean floor’s icy silence. As the IMF team parts ways, the message is clear: The real war hasn’t even begun.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE THE FINAL RECKONING

Now, Ethan has to finish the game. And this time, it’s not just about saving the world from a manipulative, all-seeing artificial intelligence — it’s about stopping total annihilation.

To do it, Hunt has to make sacrifices. Big ones. Personal ones. He’s no stranger to loss — friends, teammates, even his wife. But now? It hits different. Even for someone who runs toward danger like it’s cardio. For once, the emotional toll starts to crack through the unbreakable Hunt exterior. How do you stay laser-focused on the mission when the stakes aren’t just global… but personal?

And then there’s the real problem: how do you fight an enemy you can’t punch, shoot, or outmaneuver — a digital god rewriting the fabric of reality one keystroke at a time? The Entity isn’t just watching — it’s taking over, worming its way into every data stream, every comm signal, every truth we once believed in.

But the real kicker? The one clue to stopping it — the origin point of this digital apocalypse — is supposedly lying in a destroyed submarine, rotting at the bottom of the Bering Sea. A wreck that hasn’t seen daylight in years. Good luck with that, Ethan.

THE MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 8 HEROES

Ethan Hunt a.k.a. Tom Cruise

For three decades now, Tom Cruise has been the face — and the body — of the indestructible IMF agent. And he’s kept that body in elite, gravity-defying shape. Which is no small feat, considering that Cruise still insists on doing his own stunts in every film — from hanging off skyscrapers to flying helicopters and jumping motorcycles off cliffs.

But here’s the kicker: in July, Cruise turns 63. And no matter how much discipline, adrenaline, or Hollywood wizardry you throw at it… age eventually taps you on the shoulder. Even Ethan Hunt can’t outrun time forever. Even if Cruise is still sprinting across rooftops like he’s chasing down Father Time himself. Whether he’s admitted it or not, the reality is catching up — and Final Reckoning might just be the first time we see the mask slip, just a little. More on that in the review.

INTERMISSION

While Ethan’s diving into deep-sea conspiracies, Tom Cruise was diving into full-on madness behind the camera. That death-defying motorcycle jump off a cliff in Dead Reckoning Part One? That wasn’t CGI — Cruise did it six times until he got the perfect shot. Director Christopher McQuarrie reportedly aged five years just watching him do it.

And the underwater finale they’re teasing for Final Reckoning? Insiders say Cruise trained with elite divers and held his breath for over six minutes during pre-production tests. Just another Tuesday for a guy who once clung to the side of a flying plane (MI: Rogue Nation) and learned to fly a helicopter for real (Fallout), just to film his own chase scenes.

Because when it’s the final mission, you don’t fake it. You go all in. Mask off. Gloves off. Deep breath. The reckoning is here.

LUTHER A.K.A. VING RHAMES

Next to Ethan Hunt himself, Luther Stickell is the longest-running character in the Mission: Impossible saga — the only one who’s been riding shotgun since day one. But time hasn’t been kind. Luther’s older now, and this time, he’s also seriously ill. At one point, he’s even bedridden, forced to help the team from the sidelines. Still, he carries a message — something deeply personal for Ethan. Whether it’s the key to saving the world or just one last piece of wisdom from a trusted friend… well, that remains to be seen.

BENJI A.K.A. SIMON PEGG

Benji Dunn joined the IMF in 2011, bringing with him a much-needed dose of British humor, awkward charm, and nerdy brilliance. But in The Final Reckoning, the jokes might dry up. The threat is that big — world-ending, soul-shaking big.

Of course, Benji’s comic edge wasn’t an accident. Simon Pegg cut his teeth on cult comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz — both still absolute must-watches.

Then he beamed into the Star Trek universe and eventually landed beside Tom Cruise, swapping phasers for face masks and tackling missions that redefine “impossible.”

Whether he’s diffusing a bomb or screaming in a car chase, Benji is the beating heart of the team — and this time, that heart is very much on the line.

GRACE A.K.A. HAYLEY ATWELL

What’s a Mission: Impossible movie without at least one captivating woman causing Ethan Hunt emotional confusion and logistical chaos? Enter Grace — again. The slick, stunning thief we met in Dead Reckoning is back, and this time, she’s not just running from trouble… she’s running straight into it.

Her mission? Join Ethan’s team on a perilous journey to the icy edge of the world: St. Matthew Island in the middle of the Bering Sea. A forgotten sonar station from the Cold War has picked up something extraordinary — the resting place of the Sevastopol, the sunken submarine that holds the key to controlling the Entity. And it’s Grace who must track down Ethan fast — before the entire world’s fate sinks with that sub.

Of course, fans will instantly recognize Hayley Atwell from her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And guess what? She’s not done with superheroes — she’ll be back in Avengers: Doomsday next year. But first, she’s got a few icebergs, some espionage, and an AI apocalypse to deal with.

PARIS A.K.A. POM KLEMENTIEFF

Once an assassin on Gabriel’s payroll, Paris was introduced as Ethan’s relentless enemy. Elegant, lethal, and very French, she seemed like bad news — until Gabriel betrayed her and Ethan pulled her out of the fire, quite literally. Now? She’s switched sides. Because let’s face it: no one wants to live on a dying planet ruled by a rogue algorithm. Paris is tough, silent, and fiercely loyal — a wildcard in Ethan’s already chaotic crew. And her redemption arc adds a bit of raw emotion to the high-speed spectacle. Pom Klementieff is no stranger to saving the universe. Marvel fans love her as Mantis from Guardians of the Galaxy — though this time, she trades the antennae for a blade and an ice-cold stare that could kill a man at 30 paces.

THEO DEGAS A.K.A. GREG TARZAN DAVIS

Originally introduced as one of Ethan’s obstacles, Theo Degas starts Dead Reckoning as a U.S. intelligence agent with orders to track down and stop the IMF team. Not ideal first-date energy. But over time, Degas begins to see things from Ethan’s point of view — that maybe, just maybe, saving the world is more important than following a chain of command designed by people who still fax things. Now, Theo’s loyalties have shifted. He’s joined the impossible mission not as a watchdog, but as a believer — ready to fight alongside Ethan, even if it means throwing out the rulebook entirely. And yes, Greg Tarzan Davis has “Tarzan” as his middle name.

The guy was born for action. You may’ve seen him pulling G-forces next to Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. It’s no coincidence that Cruise brought him along for this wild ride, too. Call it a Maverick-to-IMF pipeline.

STATUS: COMPLICATED

EUGENE KITTRIDGE A.K.A. HENRY CZERNY

Let’s talk about a true Mission: Impossible legend. Eugene Kittridge — the master manipulator, the walking riddle, the man who can make “You’re a hard man to find, Hunt” sound like a Shakespearean threat. First seen trying to corner Ethan in a fish tank-filled restaurant back in 1996, he’s the OG bureaucratic bulldog of the franchise. And now… he’s back. Is he friend? Foe? Something deliciously in between? That’s the real mystery. But one thing is clear: when Kittridge is on screen, you’re never quite sure what game is being played — only that he’s probably five moves ahead of everyone else.

Henry Czerny is Kittridge. Cold, clever, calculating — and always a step away from turning the whole mission upside down. Off screen, though, Czerny couldn’t be more different: charming, funny, and the kind of actor directors trust when they need someone to deliver lines with a scalpel’s edge. You might remember him giving Harrison Ford hell in Clear and Present Danger, or stealing scenes in the darkly brilliant horror-comedy Ready or Not. If you haven’t seen that one? Fix it. Immediately.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES A.K.A. ANGELA BASSETT

Funny how things turn out. Erika Sloane — once the tough-as-nails CIA chief — is now the President of the United States. And honestly? What a shame this is just a movie. Imagine: a woman president, from the Black community, who’s empathetic, measured, thoughtful, and actually listens before launching missiles.

Yeah… that’s basically science fiction. Mission: Impossible is technically action-thriller, but in this case, we’re bordering on hopeful alternate reality.

Still, Madame President isn’t about to let the world end on her watch. With the Entity spiraling out of control and every trigger-happy general foaming at the mouth, Sloane’s job as Commander-in-Chief becomes less about diplomacy and more about crisis babysitting.

Angela Bassett brings the role her signature blend of fire and grace — she doesn’t just play powerful women, she defines them. Whether she’s ruling Wakanda or calling the shots at the White House, Bassett radiates the kind of screen presence that makes you wish her character existed in real life. Honestly, in 3 years… Angela for President? Couldn’t do worse.

JASPER BRIGGS A.K.A. SHEA WHIGHAM

Agent Briggs is back — still charging full-speed after Ethan Hunt like a hound on a mission he doesn’t fully understand. He’s loyal, relentless, and kind of exhausted, which is fair because hunting Ethan Hunt is like trying to catch the wind with a butterfly net.

But here’s the twist: deep down, Briggs knows Ethan’s not the enemy. The real question is… why is he still chasing him? In The Final Reckoning, expect a very unexpected answer.

Shea Whigham plays Briggs with that perfect mix of grit and grumble — the guy looks like he hasn’t slept since Ghost Protocol. And fun fact? Whigham is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets: from prestige dramas like Boardwalk Empire to pure chaos in Fast & Furious, he always delivers.

He brings blue-collar steel to every scene, the kind of agent who’s not afraid to punch a wall if it’ll get him answers. Or at least relieve stress.

THE MISSION IMPOSSIBLE VIII VILLAINS

GABRIEL A.K.A. ESAI MORALES

In Christianity and Islam, the archangel Gabriel is the divine messenger — the one who delivers God’s revelations to mankind. In Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Gabriel plays a similar role… except his “God” is the Entity — an all-seeing, all-knowing AI that wants to save the world by essentially dismantling it.

In this final chapter, Gabriel isn’t just another villain. He’s a prophet of chaos, carrying out the Entity’s will with unsettling calm, like a digital-age zealot. He doesn’t need armies. He has algorithms. And a chilling smile. But here’s the kicker: the man behind this cold-blooded antagonist? Esai Morales — a warm-hearted, passionate activist who’s about as villainous as a rescue puppy.

Off-screen, Morales is an “actorvist” (his words), fighting for representation and justice. He co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, and has long been on the frontlines of environmental advocacy. He’s also a founding member of E.C.O. (Earth Communications Office), a collective that unites entertainment and eco-consciousness. So while Gabriel might be orchestrating global collapse, Esai is out here trying to save the planet. Now that’s range.

THE SPECIAL

WILLIAM DONLOE A.K.A. ROLF SAXON

THE CIRCLE CLOSES

All signs point to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning being Ethan Hunt’s last ride — or at least Tom Cruise’s final high-octane leap in the role. And as storytelling tradition demands, a final chapter should come full circle. True to form, The Final Reckoning delivers a clever and surprisingly heartwarming callback… but only the real fans will catch it.

Back in the original 1996 Mission: Impossible, there was a certain sweaty CIA analyst named William Donloe, guarding what was supposedly the most secure room on Earth — the CIA’s top-secret server vault in Langley, Virginia. Spoiler alert (for the 30-year-old movie): Ethan Hunt breaks in Mission: Impossible-style, dangling from the ceiling, and steals the ultra-classified NOC list right from under Donloe’s nose.

The fallout? Kittridge — ever the cold bureaucrat — exiles poor Donloe to Alaska. Yes, the actual frozen north. That’s the last we saw of him… until now. Because in The Final Reckoning, the team runs into a slightly older, slightly frostbitten, but no less brilliant Donloe — now living a quiet life in the tundra with his Inuit wife, Tapeesa (played by Inuit actress and activist Lucy Tulugarjuk).

After losing top-secret data to Ethan all those years ago — the infamous NOC list — William Donloe has finally found something of value. This time, it’s not a list, but a location: the exact coordinates of the sunken submarine Sevastopol.

A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE BUT WE CHOOSE TO ACCEPT: THE REVIEW

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marks the eighth entry in the franchise — and the supposed grand finale to a jaw-dropping saga that’s been running strong for nearly 30 years. And in that time, Tom Cruise has gifted us some of the most thrilling action and slick storytelling the genre has ever seen.

Yes, Part 8 absolutely holds its own when it comes to action. In fact, it might even outdo its predecessors with a completely insane airplane stunt that defies belief. But beyond that? The Final Reckoning falters — in almost every other department.

THE EDITING

The editing is quite chaotic, riddled with flashbacks and flash-forwards that don’t always make sense. At times, the plot feels like it’s been scrambled in a blender. Characters are drawn paper-thin, with barely enough depth to register. Emotionally, the film is surprisingly hollow — which, as a longtime fan from the very beginning, hurts.

THE CHARACTERS

Hayley Atwell’s performance as Grace falls flat. She looks great, sure, but charisma alone isn’t enough. Especially not in comparison to franchise greats like Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan, Thandiwe Newton, Paula Patton, or Léa Seydoux. Even Hermione Corfield — who had just a few minutes of screen time in Rogue Nation — left more of an impression than Grace does here. There’s no real chemistry, no spark.

THE HUMOR

The trademark humor that gave Cruise’s wild missions their unique charm is missing almost entirely. A few jokes land, but most miss the mark. Worse still, the film feels like five separate productions hastily stitched together. There’s no narrative flow — no rhythm in the storytelling or editing. And those repetitive “counter” sequences? Exhausting. Always the same beat, over and over again.

THE AUTHENTICITY

Then there’s the geography-breaking absurdity: Ethan Hunt apparently has the ability to sprint across all of London in mere minutes. He dashes from A to B like city size is just a suggestion. And of course, allies and enemies alike pop up in the most remote corners of the globe — conveniently, no matter how implausible that may be.

Now, sure, action films don’t have to be realistic or obey the laws of physics. But some plausibility is still welcome. That Bering Sea dive? Even the world’s top free divers wouldn’t survive it — let alone pull it off and be located within seconds.

Dead Reckoning did a much better job at threading the impossible with the believable. The Final Reckoning, by contrast, lacks coherence, logic, and — most disappointingly — heart.

THE EMOTIONS

Not even the film’s most dramatic moment delivers a real emotional punch. The only true spark of nostalgia and connection comes when a familiar face reappears: William Donloe, played once again by Rolf Saxon. I loved his role in the very first Mission: Impossible. He was the one who got blamed — or sacrificed — for the incompetence or corruption of others. Saxon nails that same nerdy CIA analyst energy here. He is the emotional anchor of this film, while most of the others feel strangely out of place.

Everything speeds by at breakneck pace — just like always — but this time, it feels rushed rather than urgent. And that’s a shame, especially considering the nearly three-hour runtime could’ve easily allowed for deeper characters, sharper humor, and actual emotional resonance.

THE CONCLUSION

Ethan Hunt never dies, rarely blinks, and always runs like the fate of the world depends on it. Which — let’s be honest — it usually does. But maybe, just maybe, this should be his final run. Even Tom Cruise ages. And from a certain point — especially the authentic point — the game ends. It’s time to let someone else save the world.

That said, it’s worth noting in closing that this critique is really just nitpicking at a high level. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is, of course, a very cool action film that’s absolutely worth watching. And naturally, it’s no easy feat to conclude a series that has consistently set the bar for storytelling and stunt work, one that’s served as a blueprint for countless other productions. No doubt about that.

Still, perhaps a more heartfelt ending—with less action and more emotion—might have been the stronger choice. We’ll see whether the franchise finds a way to continue. One thing’s for sure: even at 63, Tom Cruise won’t be slowing down when it comes to making thrilling action movies.

It’s hard to say goodbye. We love Ethan Hunt. But as life moves on, so must we. With a tear in our eye, we give Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning a score of 6,5 out of 10.

Text, Video & Image Edit, Collages: Marco Kokkot
Images: Sony Pictures. All Rights Reserved.