Following from Rogue Nation, Mission Impossible: Fallout finds IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) dealing with the consequences of capturing former MI6 agent turned anarchist Solomon Lane (Sean Harris). Lane’s former network of double-agents have reformed as The Apostles, dedicated once more to causing complete social collapse. After three plutonium cores go missing, the race is on to uncover The Apostles and the absent cores before a nuclear bomb is detonated.
In what has become a well-tried formula, Hunt trots the globe as he fights the odds against a looming threat. The result is a show-stopping spectacular of gadgetry, stunts and set-pieces as the viewer is catapulted along a head-spinning tale of adrenaline laced adventure. In spite of the high stakes at play, Fallout attempts to be a more personal tale for Ethan Hunt, drawing upon his guilt over his personal life and his past refusal to kill Lane. The mix between action, intrigue and emotional turmoil works well. Yet Fallout will still please fans of Mission Impossible and audiences seeking a distracting tale of thrills and adventure.
Narratively, Fallout contains all the clever twists and deus ex machina moments which hallmark the Mission Impossible franchise, alongside its relish in fantastical gadgetry. The action is also more bombastic than ever. From gunfights to car chases the set-pieces are utterly gripping, especially a helicopter chase in Fallout’s final moments. Fallout clearly builds on the experience of cast and crew in stunt work during the prior films. Director Christopher McQuarrie’s use of depth of field adds to the scale and danger of the film’s chases and fights. Fallout’s recording upon 35mm and formatting into 4K results in a visually stunning film. Having first watched Fallout upon release in the cinemas and now on Netflix, the film’s aspect ratio struggles to consistently translate on even high-end televisions, but the film’s overall power is not diminished. McQuarrie’s direction is aided by Lorne Balfe’s score which emphasises the slightly darker tone of this addition to the Mission Impossible franchise.
Cruise reprises the role of Ethan Hunt, imbuing the character which his typical charisma. Best known for his career as an action hero, Cruise carries Fallout’s foray into more serious sub-plots given his versatility as an actor. Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames return as IMF team members Benji and Luther respectively. Rebecca Ferguson also reprises her role MI6 agent and love-interest Ilsa Faust. New addition Henry Cavill is CIA hitman August Walker sent to shadow Ethan at the behest of CIA chief Erica Sloane (Angela Bassett). Cast both old and new give great performances and there is clear sense that they enjoyed being involved in the film.The supporting IMF characters alongside Faust add both relief and vulnerability to the seemingly unstoppable Hunt. Sloane and Walker provide a further tension to Ethan’s quest. Cruise and Cavill also work exceptionally well together as they butt heads throughout the film. Sean Harris exudes the same menace he harnessed in Rogue Nation.
Mission Impossible: Fallout plays out as expected, but it is an enjoyable ride nevertheless. I cannot wait for the new Mission Impossible film, which has fortunately resumed filming.
By Saul Shimmin
For the trailer, see below;
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