Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to find the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence that can destroy mankind.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning brings the long-running franchise to an explosive conclusion, delivering the kind of high-stakes, globe-spanning action that audiences have come to expect from Ethan Hunt and the IMF. Directed once again by Christopher McQuarrie, this final chapter picks up directly from Dead Reckoning Part One, as Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his loyal team face their greatest threat yet—a rogue artificial intelligence known as “The Entity,” which has gained the power to manipulate global defence systems. The stakes are nothing short of apocalyptic, and the film wastes no time in establishing the urgency with a visually stunning submarine sequence beneath the Arctic ice. From there, The Final Reckoning moves at breakneck speed through a series of meticulously constructed set-pieces, cementing Tom Cruise’s commitment to doing the impossible—often quite literally—with real-world stunt work that continues to defy belief.
The film’s dedication to practical effects and daring stunt work is impressive. In fact, Cruise’s now-infamous “burning parachute” stunt, which required him to leap from a helicopter into a wall of flame and then deploy a second chute, was performed sixteen times during filming—a commitment to authenticity that earned him a Guinness World Record. The action sequences as some of the most ambitious in the franchise’s history. From aerial dogfights over secret vaults to precision-driven combat in underwater chambers, the film leaves little doubt about its intent: to overwhelm the senses and astonish viewers. The film does have some early pacing issues and an unwieldy first hour that struggles to connect emotionally.
Narratively, the film tries to balance franchise nostalgia with thematic modernity. Flashbacks to earlier missions and reappearances of characters from previous films attempt to ground the story in a sense of legacy, while the inclusion of AI as the central villain gestures toward contemporary global fears around autonomous technology. Unfortunately, this central threat—“The Entity”—doesn’t always land with the weight required to sustain its own menace. Likewise, the human antagonist, Gabriel (Esai Morales), fails to leave a lasting impression, with limited emotional depth and screen presence. This is especially noticeable in the final confrontation with Ethan, which lacks the catharsis or moral complexity that previous showdowns—such as those in Fallout or Rogue Nation—successfully delivered.
Tom Cruise, as always, carries the film with charismatic intensity. Now in his sixties, Cruise shows no signs of slowing down, and his portrayal of Ethan Hunt remains one of action cinema’s most enduring and dynamic performances. His willingness to perform dangerous stunts not only elevates the authenticity of the film but also reinforces the physicality that separates this franchise from CGI-heavy counterparts. While Hunt’s emotional journey is sometimes overshadowed by the demands of the plot, Cruise delivers with the same commitment that has defined his career. Alongside him, series regulars Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, and newcomer Pom Klementieff provide solid support, though their arcs feel more functional than transformative. There is a sense that the film is trying to do too much—offering closure, delivering spectacle, and introducing new threats—all while adhering to the expectations of a modern blockbuster runtime that creeps beyond two and a half hours.
The film’s central theme—technology spiralling beyond human control—feels timely but is arguably underdeveloped. While the AI premise offers an excuse for globe-trotting, encrypted secrets, and doomsday devices, it never quite becomes the philosophical dilemma it hints at. Instead, it functions more as a catalyst for chaos. This may disappoint viewers looking for the kind of narrative sophistication that earlier entries flirted with, particularly in Fallout. Still, for many, the sheer visual energy is enough. While it may not be the most refined entry in the series, it certainly succeeds as a grand farewell.
From a technical standpoint, The Final Reckoning excels. The cinematography, practical effects, and production design reflect the franchise’s ever-increasing scale and attention to detail. The musical score, composed by Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey, builds effectively on the series’ iconic Lalo Schifrin theme, lending momentum and emotional resonance to several of the film’s most critical moments. The editing is crisp, particularly in the film’s latter half, where the set-pieces connect more fluidly. However, some digital enhancement of real stunts is noticeable and—especially the parachute dive—can detract from their authenticity, a rare misstep in a series that has otherwise defined itself by practical innovation.
The film’s final moments leave the franchise’s future slightly ambiguous. Though there are clear suggestions that this may be Ethan Hunt’s last mission, the film stops short of definitive closure. Whether this is a clever move to keep the door open or a failure to commit to a satisfying ending is a matter of perspective. What is clear, however, is that The Final Reckoning delivers the thrills it promises, even if it doesn’t quite achieve the emotional depth or narrative elegance of its predecessors.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a film of grand ambition, visual spectacle, and relentless energy. It exemplifies everything the franchise has become known for—high-speed chases, death-defying stunts, and a central performance that refuses to fade with age. While it struggles with pacing, emotional engagement, and villain development, it remains an exhilarating cinematic experience. Fans of the franchise will find much to admire, even as the film shows signs of the strain involved in trying to top everything that came before. It may not be perfect, but it is certainly unforgettable—and in the landscape of modern action films, that remains a mission accomplished.
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning was released in NZ cinemas on May 22, 2025