Mission: Impossible - A Farewell to Ethan Hunt?
Nearly three decades have passed since Brian De Palma’s first “Mission: Impossible.” Now, seven films and an outrageous number of death-defying stunts later, Tom Cruise is embarking on what might be his boldest mission yet: bidding farewell to Agent Ethan Hunt, the entire IMF division, and the adrenaline-pumping shoots that have thrilled both actor and audience alike. Yet, doubts linger, and one gets the impression that Cruise might not be ready to say goodbye.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
The Stakes are Higher Than Ever
“Dead Reckoning Part One” finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) a few months after the Innsbruck train brawl. The Entity, an artificial intelligence, has grown in power, seized control of global nuclear arsenals, and now dictates the terms of reality by flooding the media with fake news. Supporting the AI’s imperial ambitions is Gabriel (Esai Morales), who fervently believes in his virtual companion’s prophetic abilities. The U.S. government, led by Madame 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 a device containing the source code on the Sevastopol submarine (the same key from the previous installment unlocks the “casket”!) and neutralize the out-of-control AI, preventing a global nuclear winter.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
A Nostalgic Farewell?
From its opening scenes, “Dead Reckoning” embraces franchise fans with a nostalgic montage and seems to acknowledge, without coyness, that it’s time to say goodbye. While there hasn’t been an official announcement that the eighth “Mission” will be the last, the final decision will likely depend on box office numbers. Nevertheless, this installment feels like a “farewell party” for loyal fans. While “Fallout” or “Ghost Protocol” welcomed casual viewers seeking high-octane action without commitment, “Dead Reckoning” is tailored for those in a long-term, perhaps even monogamous, relationship with the franchise. The fan service is confident, not intrusive, featuring cameos from previous characters (some unexpected!), revisiting key moments, unmasking familiar faces, and indulging in sentimental monologues about past choices.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a still from “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
The Last Action Hero
Ethan’s past exploits build upon each other, leading him to his current predicament. He even bears some responsibility for the collapse of national security. However, the truly frightening world dominated by “alternative facts” and machine-calculated predestination remains a backdrop for the stunts. Ethan Hunt raises the banner of the last hero, much like Tom Cruise, who has cemented his title as the last Hollywood movie star. Behind-the-scenes footage has already teased the insane stunts of the eighth chapter: Cruise flying a biplane and diving into a sunken submarine in the Bering Sea. The siege of a small plane and selfless aerial acrobatics were breathtaking even in the promo – can any critical text find a more compelling word than “wow”? Beyond the (admittedly optional) dramatic structures, it’s hard not to marvel at the possibilities and ingenuity of the staging. The submarine infiltration segment is charged with cinematic energy and the chilling allure of the deep. Perhaps the Sevastopol’s ruined interior is the most terrifying episode in the entire franchise.
Is This Goodbye?
Despite the dramatic tension and the high stakes of planetary demise, there’s little doubt that this mission is, indeed, possible – even with the script-driven risks to Ethan Hunt’s life (no spoilers!). The plot follows a familiar MacGuffin-chasing template, refined in previous installments, and the chosen hero’s pathos has lost much of its irony (which was present in “Rogue Nation” or “Ghost Protocol”). This selflessness feels not just old-fashioned but almost too somber. However, the focus is on bidding farewell not just to Hunt but to the entire IMF division – a touching tribute to the heroes of the day (perhaps appealing to workaholics who see their colleagues more often than family and friends). The replacement of Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson) with Grace (Hayley Atwell) as the leading lady feels seamless, though Ilsa’s death isn’t mourned for long (perhaps viewers will grieve longer). And maybe because of this, or because of the loopholes for a reunion, there’s a sense that this farewell is a pretense, a prolonged vacation where Ethan finally won’t answer his phone.