It’s been almost 30 years since the release of Brian De Palma’s first “Mission: Impossible.” After seven more films and an exorbitant number of death-defying stunts, Tom Cruise is attempting what is perhaps his boldest move yet: bidding farewell to Agent Ethan Hunt, the entire IMF division, and the filming process that has consistently delivered adrenaline rushes to both the actor and the audience. However, doubts linger, and one gets the impression that Tom wants to stay.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
The events of “Dead Reckoning Part One” find Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) a couple of months after the brawl on the train in Innsbruck. The artificial intelligence Entity has grown in power, taken control of the world’s nuclear arsenals, and is now dictating the terms of news reality, flooding the media with all sorts of fake news. Supporting the AI’s imperial ambitions is Gabriel (Esai Morales), who devoutly believes in the prophetic abilities of his virtual companion. The U.S. government, led by Madam President (Angela Bassett), assesses the risks but decides to entrust the fate of the world to Ethan Hunt. The IMF has 72 hours to find the device with the source code on the submarine “Sevastopol” (that same key from the previous installment unlocks the “casket”!) and neutralize the out-of-control ChatGPT, stopping the onset of a widespread nuclear winter.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
A Nostalgic Farewell?
From its very first frames, “Dead Reckoning Part One” warmly embraces franchise fans with a nostalgic montage and, seemingly without coyness, acknowledges that it’s time to say goodbye. There has been no official announcement that the eighth “Mission” will be the last; apparently, the final decision will be made after the box office numbers are tallied. Nevertheless, the screening felt like a “farewell party” for its own: while “Fallout” or “Ghost Protocol” were welcoming to casual viewers who wanted their dose of high-octane action without commitment, “Dead Reckoning” is designed exclusively for those who have been in a serious (and perhaps even monogamous) relationship with the franchise for many years. The fan service is not intrusive but confident, offering cameos of characters from previous installments (and unexpected ones!), repeatedly revisiting key moments, tearing off masks, and not shying away from sentimental monologues about the choices that have been made.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
High Stakes and Familiar Tropes
Ethan’s previous exploits build into a series of events that have led to the moment where he finds himself – including the blame for the collapse of national security resting on the agent’s shoulders (legs, torso, and probably even forehead). But the truly frightening world under the control of “alternative facts” and the predetermination (fate?) that machines can calculate remain a flashing backdrop for the performance of stunts. Ethan Hunt raises the banner of the last hero, as does Tom Cruise, who has secured the title of the last Hollywood movie star. Photos and videos from the set have already announced the main insane stunts of the eighth chapter: Tom Cruise and flying in a “crop duster,” Tom Cruise and diving to a sunken submarine in the Bering Sea. The siege of a small plane and selfless acrobatics in the air were breathtaking even while watching the promo spot – can one find more convincing words in a critical text than “wow”? And beyond any dramaturgical constructions (optional, frankly), it’s hard not to be amazed by the possibilities and ingenuity of the staging. And the segment with the infiltration of the submarine is charged with truly cinematic energy with the chilling charm of the deep: perhaps the perished insides of the “Sevastopol” are the scariest episode in the entire franchise.
Is This Really Goodbye?
Despite all the dramatic tension and the increased stakes of the planet’s demise, there is no doubt that this mission is also achievable – even with the script-driven risks of Ethan Hunt’s death (we’ll avoid spoilers!). The plot clearly reads the proven template of searching for a MacGuffin, refined by previous installments, and the pathos of the chosen hero has almost lost its irony (which was present, for example, in “Rogue Nation” or the aforementioned “Ghost Protocol”) – such selflessness looks not so much old-fashioned as if it’s too gloomy. But still, the focus is on saying goodbye not only to Hunt but to the entire IMF division – the celebration of the heroes of the day is truly touching (perhaps for any workaholics who see colleagues more often than family and friends). Except that the switch with the love interest is confusing: Grace (Hayley Atwell) seamlessly took the place of Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), whose death was mourned not too long (perhaps viewers mourn longer). And, perhaps because of this or because of the loopholes for a reunion, there remains a feeling of a mock farewell, a prolonged vacation in which Ethan finally won’t take his phone.