Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to find the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence that can destroy mankind.
Tom Cruise has built a legendary status for tackling his own death-defying stunts. Throughout his career, he’s scaled the Burj Khalifa in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” gripped the side of a flying Airbus A400M in “Rogue Nation,” leapt from great heights in a HALO jump for “Fallout,” and more recently, launched a motorcycle off a cliff before parachuting away in “Dead Reckoning.” In what’s being promoted as the franchise’s last act, Cruise ups the ante by dangling from the wing of a vintage biplane at 10,000 feet. His relentless pursuit of realism and willingness to take risks have made him a standout daredevil in Hollywood.
Although “The Final Reckoning” is being presented as the conclusion of the series, rumors suggest that Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie may already be brainstorming additional stories, hinting that the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE saga could continue. The way the movie wraps up leaves plenty of room for future adventures. Considering that stars like Harrison Ford and Sylvester Stallone have kept returning to their iconic roles well into their later years, there’s little doubt that Cruise could do the same.
Set after the events of “Dead Reckoning,” the plot of “The Final Reckoning” follows Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and Grace (Hayley Atwell) as they chase Gabriel Martinelli (Esai Morales), a dangerous opponent tied to a mysterious artificial intelligence called the Entity. Initially created for intelligence work, the Entity has become self-aware and can now manipulate global digital systems. With only four days before a possible nuclear disaster, Ethan is faced with the urgent mission of saving the world.
When Gabriel captures Ethan and Grace, he forces Ethan to retrieve the Entity’s core, using the two-piece cruciform key he retrieved in “Dead Reckoning,” giving Gabriel potential access to its original programming. Gabriel proposes to isolate the AI on a physical device and lock it away in a secure digital vault in South Africa. Ethan reluctantly goes along, but when he is apprehended by American agents and brought before Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett)—the ex-CIA chief from “Fallout” who is now President—he refuses to hand over the key, fearing the dangers of putting such power in government hands. He appeals to her sense of trust, and she ultimately backs his mission.
Staying true to the series’ globe-trotting spirit, the film races through Norway, South Africa, and London. Cruise’s passion for his craft is still evident; at 63, he continues to do his own stunts, something few actors his age would dare attempt.
The series has consistently dealt with the loss of beloved characters. “Dead Reckoning” saw the exit of fan favorite Rebecca Ferguson, and “The Final Reckoning” claims another major character, yet the story is left open for more chapters. The supporting cast shines, with Cruise delivering another strong performance as Hunt. The action is both thrilling and grounded, further amplified by IMAX cinematography. One standout sequence shows Ethan escaping a submarine, only to be hunted by a massive Russian sub—a particularly gripping moment for those uneasy about underwater settings. Unlike other action franchises that get increasingly outlandish, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE maintains a sense of believability.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” provides a satisfying close to thirty years of high-octane filmmaking. If this is Cruise’s last turn as Ethan Hunt, it closes a chapter marked by awe-inspiring stunts and memorable storytelling. Whether the franchise moves forward with or without him, it remains a leader in action cinema. For both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers, “The Final Reckoning” is a must-see, especially on a big screen.
Now available on Digital, and on 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray SteelBook™,
4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™, and DVD October 14th
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