Review: “Mission: Impossible – The final calculation” is an emotional and ambitious conclusion
Review: “Mission: Impossible – The final calculation” is an emotional and ambitious conclusion
by Manuel São Bento
May 23, 2025
Some sagas remain with us throughout our film buff, shaping our tastes and influencing the way we experience the art of cinema. In my opinion, Mission: Impossible is one of these franchises. From the elegant suspense of the original film of Brian de Palma’s IMF in 1996 to the crazy show full of action of the films of Christopher Mcquarrie, each episode was a constant source of adrenaline, innovation and total respect for the power of action cinema. The last of McQuarrie Mission: Impossible – The final calculation is the long -awaited conclusion of the saga led by Tom CruiseBy naturally making one of the most anticipated films of the year. The expectations were excessive, not only because it is supposed to be the last chapter, but also because of the promise to close one of the most coherent franchises in gender history.
M: I – The final calculation is once again managed by Mcquarrie – the most recent architect Mission: Impossible era of Rogue nation on – and co -written with Erik JendesenOnce again by placing Ethan Hunt (cruise) at the center of a global crisis where the past, the present and the future collide with catastrophic consequences. Pick up the story left open by But account – the first partThe threat continues to revolve around an uncontrollable artificial intelligence, whose ethical and existential ramifications open the door to some of the most daring themes of the whole saga. Cruise, as expected, returns with the same physical and emotional dedication which has become synonymous with these blockbusters, supported by a stellar team: Twenty rhames,, Simon Pegg,, Hayley Atwell,, Pom Clemerieffamong others.
Since 1996, Tom Cruise has redefined what a star of action means. And it is impossible not to start by recognizing, once again, his absolute commitment to this world. In The final calculationThe emblematic American actor once again performs breathtaking stunts, with a level of realism and a physical commitment which remains surprising even after decades. The second half is a non-stop show with completely crazy sequences that should never be standardized. It is true that there is a feeling of familiarity which can lead to a slight disappointment not to witness something really new, but McQuarrie and his team keep the bar as high as possible. The tension, rhythm and pure entertainment are present in each frame, constantly pushing the limits of what can be captured on the camera.
On the technical side, DP Tags sentences Cinematography is, as expected, a real visual success. The way the camera moves, how she immerses herself in chaotic action scenes with remarkable clarity, deserves a standing ovation. It is thanks to this cohesive and immersive visual language that the public can believe in the impossibility of what they see. Taggart creates an atmosphere that raises both the most intimate and explosive moments, doing so with inspiring confidence and precision.
As for the score, Max Aruj And Alfie Godfrey deliver one of the most intense and emotional compositions of the whole Mission: Impossible franchise. The duo’s work is a direct successor to the previous scores, filled with pulsating themes that stimulate action, but also with melodic variations which emphasize the emotional weight of the conclusion of the saga. Personally, it is a score that I will often revisit.
That said, in the midst of all technical praise, the entire distribution remains one of the The latest calculations strongest assets. Each member of the IMF team has their moment to shine, which is impressive given the growing number of characters and sub -intrigues. Atwell and Klemetieff, in particular, continue to prove themselves as precious additions to the basic team. The first strengthens the emotional nucleus of the film with a vulnerable but determined performance, while the second, a French actress, impresses as a character physically imposing with a few words but a great presence. However, it is twenty rhames which delivers the most memorable lines of the film. His monologue on the true sense of identity and the importance of his actions are not only moving, but perfect encapsulation of the philosophy of the franchise. We are not defined by isolated exploits, but by the sum of our intentions and our acts. A deeply human and unexpected emotional message for a summer blockbuster.
In fact, it is precisely the thematic depth of the film that raises The final calculation. In recent decades, Ethan Hunt has been a character who embodies a personal sacrifice for the collective good. Rejecting traditional heroism, the agent has built his reputation not by brute force, but by unwavering loyalty and an almost suicidal stubborn to always do what is morally just, even if the world around him collapses. This last chapter calls into question this moral compass: Ethan Always have free will? Or has it just become another pawn in a larger system of its control – just like the AI that it tries to defeat?
Unsurprisingly, the digital antagonist is a clear metaphor for the growing dehumanization of our societies. The way the last two payments represent IA – As a “entity” that learns, manipulates and redefines truths to control human behavior – reflects modern concerns concerning AI algorithms, social media and loss of autonomy. Mission: Impossible explored the duality between control and freedom several times before, but never so literally or urgent. What was once a “simple” espionage game between rival governments has now become an ideological battle for the preservation of humanity at a time of automation.
Another powerful reflection lies in the idea of regret and timeless responsibility. The constant review of past moments – through flashbacks, characters’ returns and not so subtle references – is not only an exercise in nostalgia. It is a reminder that actions have lasting consequences and that time does not have the marks of what has been done. Ethan, while confronting the inheritance of his choices, becomes a tragic symbol of someone who lives to correct the errors that may never be canceled. This feeling of persistent guilt, present throughout the saga, reaches his emotional peak here. It is not a coincidence that the first hour – slower and more repetitive – is filled with these ghosts; The final calculation Emotionally prepares the public for the inevitable farewell impact.
However, everything does not work as effectively as we hoped. The biggest obstacle in the film is undoubtedly its exhibition. All previous inputs use this narration device, but The final calculation overload its first hour with flashbacks, summons, eninterpretations and endless references to events and characters each previous film overall MID franchise. The attempt to recontextualize things is quite understandable, especially for more occasional viewers. However, this need to remind the public of the past ends up hurting the narrative rhythm, taking too much time for things to really go, and finding yourself stuck in a cycle of explanation and background which, although useful, could have been managed with more subtlety and economy.
The narrative structure also suffers from this desire to include All. There is an imminent farewell feeling that pushes creators to revisit almost every major moment and to appear in the saga – and yes, there are pleasantly surprising yields – but this structural nostalgia negatively affects the natural flow of history. The time spent looking back delays the momentum before what should be a final focused on the present and what is at stake.
Eventually, The final calculation is a tribute to the saga that has built a legacy of excellence in action cinema. We must not forget all the names that have made this possible. Brian de Palma made the basics with an elegant psychological thriller; John ‘ raised visual stylization; JJ Abrams brought an emotion and a tension; Brad Redefined pure spectacle; And McQuarrie has unified everything with a coherent and passionate vision. Mission: Impossible has always been more than the sum of its parts – and it is thanks to decades of dedication of waterfall teams, technicians, directors, writers and, of course, the unique Tom Cruise.
Final reflections
Mission: Impossible – The final calculation It may not be the total epic conclusion that fans hoped, or the best franchise film, but it is undoubtedly a worthy and emotionally satisfactory shipment. Despite certain rhythm problems and an overload of exhibition, Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise succeed thanks to the audiovisual spectacle, the thematic richness and an unrivaled commitment to the cinematographic heritage they represent. If it’s really the very end (something always doubtful in Hollywood …), then what beautiful, sincere goodbye, it’s. Thank you, Ethan Hunt. And thank you to everyone who made this mission possible.
Manual note: B +
Follow Manuel on Twitter – @MSBREVIEWS / Or letterboxd – @MSBREVIEWS
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