An Impossible Mission… One Last Time

Since the original Mission: Impossible (1996), Tom Cruise has defied aging, physics, and logic through the Mission: Impossible franchise’s relentless pursuit of cinematic spectacle. From driving a motorcycle off a cliff to executing a HALO jump to even scaling the Burj Khalifa, Cruise's stunts are unmatched—a testament to his dedication to the role. However, this franchise is more than just action—it’s built on intricate plots and a loyal ensemble, ready to risk everything to stand by Ethan Hunt (Cruise). In his latest, and potentially final outing as Hunt, Cruise puts everything into this film. Although Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025) is at times weighed down by heavy exposition and clunky plotting, these negatives are outweighed by the film’s layered character dynamics and jaw-dropping action.

The film begins two months after the events of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), in which Grace (Hayley Atwell) joins the IMF and Hunt begins his search for the crashed Russian submarine “Sevastopol.” In The Final Reckoning, though the U.S. government is hunting him, Hunt remains in hiding—working alongside Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames). During this time, the trio uncovers critical information about the Padkova—an object containing the source code of The Entity, a rogue AI trying to end humanity. Stickell has also created a “poison pill” to trap it, along with a device to contain it. To locate Gabriel (Esai Morales), The Entity’s former apostle, Dunn and Hunt infiltrate an Austrian prison to break out Paris (Pom Klementieff). In doing so, they clash with her transfer guards, Jasper Briggs (Shea Whigham) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis), the latter of whom reluctantly joins their cause.

Soon after, Gabriel captures Grace and Hunt, forcing them to retrieve the Padkova for him. Although Gabriel escapes, they discover his headquarters—and the machine he uses to communicate with The Entity. Hunt uses it, and The Entity reveals its apocalyptic plan to unleash the nuclear arsenals of the world while hiding in an electrostatically impenetrable “doomsday vault” in South Africa. Following this encounter, Hunt splits from the team, instructing them to find where the Sevastopol crashed. Meanwhile, he visits U.S. military command and convinces the president (Angela Bassett) to grant him an aircraft carrier and submarine for the mission. Though the mission seems impossible, humanity’s fate lies in Hunt’s hands, and he must be trusted one last time. 

The stunts in The Final Reckoning continue to push the envelope; despite being over 60 years old, Cruise continues to perform his own stunts. While this film is lighter on action than previous films, it still has some intense fights and two jaw-dropping daredevil sequences. The team fighting the Russians on Saint Marshalls Island was particularly well-crafted, featuring creative cinematography and the team struggling without Hunt. This scene is paralleled brilliantly with Hunt’s simultaneous battle, where he fights a rogue crew member on the U.S. submarine. This clash is excellently shot, utilizing the claustrophobic training area and dangerous weapons to make the scene feel visceral. However, the standout action sequences are the Sevastopol exploration and the end-of-film biplane chase. Hunt chases Gabriel by climbing onto a moving biplane until Hunt finally lands on Gabriel’s plane—a highly intense sequence that puts Hunt at risk of death every second. Cruise’s choice to perform these stunts without a double only underscores his dedication, resulting in action sequences that feel uniquely authentic.

Another strength of the Mission: Impossible franchise is Hunt’s dynamic with his team. While this was present in the earlier films, the most recent ones have truly emphasized these interactions. By introducing and developing new, captivating characters, such as Grace in Dead Reckoning, the team dynamic continues to evolve. In The Final Reckoning, many of the characters, such as Hunt and Stickell, feel much more jaded than previous installments as they reminisce about their shared past—fitting for the potential franchise end. However, many of the other characters, like Grace and Degas, inject a youthful and charismatic energy into the film. This mix of solemn and energetic personalities builds an intriguing team dynamic unlike the previous films. Gabriel repeatedly mentions how Hunt will do anything to save his team—and it’s clear why. 

Unfortunately, this film contains several exposition dumps and narrative inconsistencies. Although previous films have been heavy on exposition, the explanations in this, such as Hunt’s conversation with The Entity, feel over-explained and unnaturally expository, breaking the immersion. The plot also has many noticeable holes, such as Hunt’s confusing parachute misdirection towards the end of the film. Also, The Entity’s abilities are confusing; it relies on humans to obey it and intervene, despite having the power to kill billions. 

While The Final Reckoning occasionally struggles with heavy exposition and plot inconsistencies, it remains an exhilarating and emotionally charged finale. Although these issues are noteworthy, they still don’t ruin the film, which is incredibly enjoyable and intense. Cruise’s unwavering commitment to performing his own stunts and embodying Hunt elevates every scene. Likewise, director Christopher McQuarrie masterfully balances high-octane action with meaningful character interactions. While this may be Hunt’s final mission, the franchise closes with a thrilling and emotional chapter—flawed, but unforgettable.