Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth film in the long-running franchise, aims to deliver a grand finale for Tom Cruise’s iconic Ethan Hunt. In many ways, it succeeds — with spectacular set pieces, globe-trotting action, and jaw-dropping practical stunts. However, the film is not without its shortcomings, particularly in pacing and narrative execution.
The story follows Hunt and his IMF team as they race to stop The Entity, a rogue AI threatening global catastrophe. The mission takes them across London, Norway, and South Africa, culminating in an underwater retrieval and a climactic aerial showdown. Along the way, familiar faces such as Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames), and Grace (Hayley Atwell) return, with new additions like Paris (Pom Klementieff) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis) joining the team.
The first act of Final Reckoning is heavily laden with exposition. In an effort to tie together threads from previous instalments and build emotional weight, the film repeatedly references past missions and characters. While this provides a sense of continuity, it slows the momentum considerably. The opening hour often feels like an extended recap rather than a fresh narrative push.
Once the action sequences begin in earnest, the film regains its footing. Director Christopher McQuarrie once again demonstrates a masterful command of large-scale action, staging some of the franchise’s most ambitious stunts. The underwater submarine sequence, though slightly overlong, is visually striking and tense. The standout moment is undoubtedly the biplane sequence, with Cruise performing real stunts that add genuine suspense and exhilaration to the climax.
Tom Cruise remains the heart of the franchise. At 62, his physical commitment to the role is remarkable. Whether sprinting across London, braving icy underwater currents, or clinging to an airborne plane, Cruise continues to deliver a level of authenticity rarely seen in modern blockbuster filmmaking.
The supporting cast also performs well. Hayley Atwell brings charm and agility to her role as Grace, while Pom Klementieff’s Paris adds a new layer of intrigue. Longtime series veterans Pegg and Rhames provide reliable humour and heart. Esai Morales serves as a suitably menacing antagonist, though the AI-driven plot lacks the emotional punch of earlier, more personal conflicts.
Where Final Reckoning falters is in its storytelling. The plot, centred on an abstract digital threat, feels less grounded and compelling than previous entries. The film’s tone is also more sombre and self-serious, missing the playful edge that once set Mission: Impossible apart from other action franchises. At 169 minutes, the runtime feels stretched, with certain sequences — particularly in the first half — overstaying their welcome.
Despite these issues, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivers on the franchise’s core promise: thrilling action, global scale, and an unwavering commitment to practical effects. It may not be the series’ finest hour, but it offers enough spectacle and craft to satisfy longtime fans and casual viewers alike. If this truly is Ethan Hunt’s final mission, it is an impressive — if imperfect — farewell.