It’s been almost 30 years since 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 unit, and the filming process that has repeatedly 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 known as the 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 selflessly 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 containing the source code on the submarine “Sevastopol” (that same key from the previous installment opens 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”
From its very first frames, “Dead Reckoning Part One” warmly embraces franchise fans with a nostalgic montage and seems to acknowledge, without coyness, 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 from characters from previous installments (including 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”
Ethan’s previous exploits are built into a series of events that led to the moment where he finds himself—including the blame for the collapse of national security resting on the shoulders (legs, torso, and probably even forehead) of the agent. But the truly frightening world under the control of “alternative facts” and the predestination (fate?) that machines can calculate once again remain a flashing backdrop for the performance of stunts. Ethan Hunt raises the banner of the last hero, just like 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 on a sunken submarine in the Bering Sea. The siege of a small plane and selfless acrobatics in the air were breathtaking even during the promo spot—can one find words more convincing than “wow” in a critical text? And beyond any (unnecessary, frankly) dramatic constructions, 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 depths: perhaps the perished innards of the “Sevastopol” are the scariest episode in the entire franchise.
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 tried-and-true 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 department—the celebration of the heroes of the day is truly touching (perhaps for any workaholics who see their colleagues more often than their family and friends). Except that the switch with the lady love is confusing: Grace (Hayley Atwell) seamlessly took the place of Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), whose death was mourned for 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.