By: Natalia Chawla
Having watched the new Mission Impossible film twice, I feel more than qualified to share my
thoughts on what was both a visually spectacular and narratively complex ride.
As the eighth and final installment of the franchise, Tom Cruise delivers yet another
unforgettable performance. His dedication to stunts is unmatched—whether he’s submerged in
freezing, turbulent waters on the verge of hypothermia or free-falling from planes in the middle
of nowhere. The action is intense, constant, and executed at the highest level, reminding fans
why the Mission Impossible series has remained iconic for nearly three decades.
The film’s plot revolves around “The Entity,” a highly intelligent and dangerous AI that threatens
the future of humanity. With today’s rising concerns about artificial intelligence, this storyline
feels particularly timely and relatable for younger audiences. Hunt, guided by a machine that
predicts possible future outcomes, is told that only he can stop the impending disaster. What
follows is a global chase, with Hunt and his team divided and forced to operate across isolated
and extreme terrains—ranging from frozen, lifeless wastelands to the depths of the ocean and
desolate mountain regions.
Interestingly, this film also gave more attention to characters who have previously remained in
the background. While not the main focus in past installments, these characters played crucial
roles in shaping how key events unfolded. Their increased presence added depth to the story,
as their hidden actions and decisions became central to the mission’s success or failure. It was
refreshing to finally understand their motivations and see how much they contributed, even from
the shadows. Same to say, some of these newbies were quick to become fan favorites!
While the movie is certainly entertaining, it isn’t without its drawbacks. At nearly three hours
long, it can feel overly drawn out, with certain scenes dragging unnecessarily. The pacing
suffers at times, and the story demands full attention. Every small detail matters, yet many are
easy to miss on a first viewing—something I personally experienced, as I only picked up on
some key moments during my second watch.
Overall, while the movie delivers on action, character depth, and spectacle, it could have
benefited from tighter editing and clearer storytelling. Still, for fans of the franchise and lovers of
action cinema, it remains a thrilling and worthy watch.