Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is intended to serve as a grand send-off for the enduring spy franchise, yet it ultimately hesitates to fully embrace this role. The eighth chapter of the series begins with an earnest appeal from the U.S. President (Angela Bassett), imploring IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) to undertake one last mission: to thwart a rogue artificial intelligence known as the Entity. This AI poses a threat to humanity through digital manipulation and potential nuclear devastation, and only Ethan can stand against it.

As anticipated, the film provides the franchise’s trademark excitement—global intrigue, heart-racing action, and the enduring charm of Tom Cruise. It also upholds the series’ central belief in the impact of one individual’s moral compass to make a difference. However, despite these positives, The Final Reckoning is a film caught between conflicting perspectives. Rather than delivering a unified and satisfying resolution, it feels more like a visually appealing yet disjointed collection of ideas that fail to fully coalesce.

A Plot That Unravels

Continuing directly from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the narrative follows Ethan as he strives to use a mysterious key to gain control over the Entity. Yet, he is not alone in his pursuit—Gabriel (Esai Morales), a lethal assassin connected to Ethan’s past, seeks the AI for his own nefarious ambitions. Meanwhile, Ethan must persuade the President that the solution lies in destroying the Entity rather than attempting to tap into its power. This proposition faces opposition, as some advisors argue that eradicating the AI could potentially erase cyberspace itself.

Despite extensive explanation scenes, the film fails to clearly elaborate on the Entity’s function or why it represents such an existential danger. The screenplay, crafted by director Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen, heavily relies on unclear statements and foreboding indications, making the AI seem more like a mystical force rather than a technological threat. The inclusion of a doomsday sect devoted to the Entity enhances the film’s fantastical atmosphere, steering it further from a grounded spy thriller into the domain of mythic imagination.

At nearly three hours, The Final Reckoning begins with promise but soon loses its pacing. The film’s scattered emphasis on the Entity as a supreme malevolence results in perplexing character choices and a convoluted storyline. Even more concerning, the sprawling plot sidelines many of Ethan’s allies, reducing them to simple narrative tools rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Tom Cruise Shines, But Hayley Atwell Deserves More

Tom Cruise remains the soul of the franchise, and his portrayal here is as powerful and dedicated as ever. Whether plunging into the ocean or engaged in a mid-air combat, Cruise infuses unparalleled physicality and emotional depth into Ethan Hunt. His capacity to express moral conviction with just a look remains one of the series’ standout features.

However, the film’s primary focus on Ethan leaves scant space for the supporting ensemble. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg reprise their roles as Luther and Benji, providing brief but impactful moments of connection. Newer characters, such as Hayley Atwell’s Grace and Pom Klementieff’s Paris, are regrettably underutilized. Atwell, who shone in Dead Reckoning Part One, is relegated to a worried sidekick, deprived of the wit and self-assurance that once made her character intriguing. Klementieff fares somewhat better, featuring in a notable fight sequence and a heartfelt moment later in the film, yet her character’s progression feels erratic and insufficiently developed.

Even a remarkable cast of renowned actors—including Angela Bassett, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Shea Whigham, and Janet McTeer—are reduced to delivering exaggerated lines in repetitive war room exchanges. Their skills are squandered on dialogue-heavy interactions that lack clear narrative direction or emotional closure.

Tramell Tillman Captivates

While many of the cast members grapple with awkward dialogue, Tramell Tillman (Severance) stands out prominently. As a debonair submarine captain, Tillman introduces a refreshing allure and charisma to the film. His smooth dialogue and friendly interaction with his crew—particularly Kodiak, portrayed by Katy O’Brian—create a brief but fascinating diversion from the central narrative. Their scenes are so enthralling that one might wish for more underwater escapades.

An Exciting Yet Overloaded Climax

Despite its storytelling flaws, the film’s concluding hour offers the electrifying action that fans desire. Editor Eddie Hamilton skillfully interlinks multiple sequences, heightening tension as Ethan and his team rush to execute their improbable scheme. These moments exemplify the franchise at its best—visually spectacular, emotionally charged, and driven by Cruise’s steadfast dedication to cinematic grandeur.

Additionally, a nostalgic tone permeates the film, as Ethan’s allies shower him with commendations in sequences that feel reminiscent of a living tribute. The comeback of a long-forgotten character (