on the big screen this week | mission impossible – the final reckoning
“Trust me, one last time,” utters Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, somewhere during ‘The Final Reckoning’. It’s ‘Mission Impossible’’s final part of the legendary franchise, which has been entertaining more than two generations of viewers over the last thirty years. He repeats it, I think, several times, and his character always breaks the fourth wall. Hunt (or Cruise? You tell me!) not only asks his fellow agents for blind faith. He wants us to trust him and enjoy the ride.
If James Bond had a license to kill, Hunt got one for saving the world and entertaining his audiences. Christopher McQuarrie’s rollercoaster commences right where the previous one finished, with a cruel AI wanting to destroy our modern world. It’s why Hunt brings his team back together and needs to touch upon the roots of what it means to be a real spy. By solving the AI crisis in an old-fashioned way, with no use of modern technologies, Hunt’s crew reminds us of the times when creativity and skills truly mattered. Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny and Hayley Atwell are all back – the gang came to say their goodbyes, too.
When we think about it, Cruise conquered the film industry as far back as the previous century. He will be 63 this year and has nothing more to prove. Yet, here he is, offering us a potent piece of tapestry, made of everything thrilling we could only have imagined in a blockbuster.
Cruise formed a superhero of Hunt, but in The Final Reckoning, the character’s myth gradually ebbs. This time, Hunt battles gamely to rescue his closest ones and, along the way, save humanity from total annihilation. But, sometimes a good will is not enough. Not everyone is going to survive this complete havoc.
We will also learn that this reckoning is the final straw of a tiny domino effect, started by our favourite secret agent in Brian De Palma’s original movie. It sounds fair on paper, but every time the AI antagonist reappears, we remember how absurdly unbelievable this concept truly is. Screenwriting is not for every director, so just forget about it and enjoy the action-packed moments.
Despite the half-witted plot, combining the most recurring cliches and superfluous plot twists, there is something incongruously beautiful in this instalment. At some point, Cruise’s Hunt reminds us of a woeful saviour, one who has lost the trust of nearly everyone (quite ironic) and either awaits an unexpected deus ex machina or the final AI apocalypse. As he sees that deliverance is not coming, Hunt will have to become a semi-God to succeed.
No matter if it’s a plane sequence or an imitation of diving into an old and forgotten submarine, Tom Cruise pushes himself to the limit. He’s a stuntman, performer and a rock star in the body of an ageing icon.
In a time when almost every day we lose another ray of hope, Ethan Hunt’s wayward stubbornness brings it back. There is nothing more enjoyable than watching a man risk his own life to fight for a better day. We can’t help Hunt, but at least we can root for him, right from the edge of our seats. And, await the ending, by believing that cinema always wins.
Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is out now.
The 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix was the place to be from 3 – 6 July. Held at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, the grounds were also home to Silverstone festival, an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the bustle of motorsport with a thrilling lineup of racing and live music. The VIP experience in particular gave guests an exciting glimpse of the paddock to see teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren up close (and potentially catch a glimpse of legends like Lewis Hamilton if you’re lucky.)
The event truly captured the festival vibe with camping and a hotel on site, a live marching band and a Red Bull skate ramp. There was also a restaurant with a jacuzzi if that tickles your fancy. The staff at Silverstone were a particular highlight, making an effort to give a warm and friendly welcome to guests.
Taking place at the peak of British summer, Silverstone festival’s lineup featured some of the best of UK talent from Sam Fender and Mabel to Jade and Raye, who also features on the ‘F1’ film soundtrack. Raye gave a stunningly cinematic performance spanning across her entire discography. She showcased courageous vulnerability on songs like ‘Mary Jane’ and ‘Ice Cream Man,’ ignited the dance floor with her viral anthem ‘Prada’ and brought spellbinding drama with ‘Escapism.’ The combination of iconic performances and world class sport makes Silverstone festival a must-see for F1 fans keen to catch the live action surrounded by other enthusiasts.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lana Del Rey performs live on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for ABA)
In the age of hyper stimulation, catching Lana Del Rey live may just be the antidote. On her opening night at London’s Wembley stadium, she gave a calm and present performance of some of her most coveted hits from ‘Video Games’ to ‘Summertime Sadness’. Under the grip of Lana’s gentle command, we have never seen a stadium audience remain so still as her angelic vocals rippled through the crowd. Her performance style may be reserved but she always delivers vocally. Arguably, being such a serene superstar is part of her lasting allure.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lana Del Rey performs live on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for ABA)
In such a vast stadium setting, however, there was alack of dynamism from Lana herself, as she often opted to perform sitting down, standing stationary or as a hologram. The pulse of the set was maintained by her ensemble which included a string band, soulful backgrounds singers —whose voices were particularly impressive during solo moments — and her lyrical dancers who climbed willow trees and stripper poles with grace while dressed in flowing drapes of white.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lana Del Rey and Addison Rae perform live on stage at Wembley Stadium on July 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for ABA)
The set design of the tour featured cloudy blue skies, starry nights and a quaint American house which eventually lit with flames, evoking themes of nostalgic Americana that Lana has become known for. Ultimately, this tour was an ode to Lana’s artistic legacy and influence. This was perfectly represented in her opening act, and Schön!’s 2025 Rising Star, Addison Rae. Towards the end of the night, Addison would re-appear on stage to duet with Lana on her breakout song ‘Diet Pepsi.’ The hit is undoubtedly Lana-coded, making for a heartwarming nod to the star’s cultural impact.
Briana Price is no stranger to transformation. From her early days as a dancer on ‘Glee’ to commanding the screen in BET’s ‘Divorced Sistas’, she’s charted a dynamic path through the entertainment industry. Her latest role as Tiffany in ‘Divorced Sistas’ puts all of her commitment to her craft on display. “I read her scenes and felt an instant familiarity, I knew her intimately,” Price says. “She’s loyal, intuitive, grounded, and hopeful.” That same emotional depth shows up in all of her work, from comedy to thriller to drama. Whether she’s diving into complex characters or reflecting on personal growth, Price is guided by a simple but powerful principle: “The preparation is always rooted in truth.”
Working under Tyler Perry’s direction proved to be a transformative experience. “Simply setting foot on the studio lot completely changed my perspective on what is possible.” That shift has fueled her creative ambition, not just in what she chooses to act in, but what she hopes to say. “I’m really interested in dismantling the ‘good girl’ trope and challenging the perception of what a Black woman should be, can be.”
In this conversation with Schön!, she opens up about her journey, what it was like working with Tyler Perry, the emotional truths behind her latest character, and why she’s drawn to complex, unapologetic female roles.
full look. Talent’s Own
‘Divorced Sistas’ just debuted on BET. What drew you to this role, and what can audiences expect from the show?
I actually originally auditioned for the role of Geneva! But during the chemistry read with Tyler, he asked me to read for Tiffany, and the rest is history. As soon as I read her scenes, I felt an instant connection. I knew her. She’s loyal, intuitive, grounded, and hopeful. Audiences can expect to see the realities of divorce, complex relationships, tested friendships, new love, and, of course, a bit of drama.
You started your TV career as a dancer on ‘Glee.’ What lessons from that experience still influence you today as an actress?
Starting out as a dancer taught me a lot, especially about discipline. Discipline, consistency, and persistence are key qualities that create longevity and build trust in professional, artistic spaces. I also developed a strong sense of play that I still try to bring to every role.
Between ‘Divorced Sistas’, ‘California King’, and ‘A Stranger in My Home’, you’re working across very different genres this year. How do you prepare for roles in comedy versus drama or thriller?
For me, preparation always starts with the truth. I look for the humanity in every character, then place them authentically within the world of the piece. Of course, comedy has technical nuances that are different from drama, but none of that matters if you’re not portraying a real, layered person.
full look. Talent’s Own
Can you describe your character in ‘Divorced Sistas’ and what makes her unique within the group dynamic?
Tiffany is loyal, intuitive, grounded, and always hopeful. She’s that friend who checks in, encourages honesty, and can’t resist a juicy piece of gossip. What I love most about her is her decision to rewrite the narrative she’s been telling herself, because in doing so, she transforms her entire experience of the world.
What was your first reaction when you read the script for ‘Divorced Sistas’? Did anything immediately resonate with you?
Honestly, I couldn’t put the scripts down. I was hooked. I needed to know how the story unfolded. Tiffany is in a vulnerable emotional space, but she’s still open to love, partnership, and connection. That resonated deeply with me. I’ve known heartbreak, and I understand the strength it takes to try again.
How was it working under Tyler Perry’s direction, and what did you learn from that experience?
One word: Genius. Just stepping onto his studio lot shifted my entire perspective on what’s possible. It was a reminder to live up to my highest potential. Tyler gave me so much freedom on set—it was like being on an incredible artistic playground. The crew runs like a beautifully choreographed dance. One of the biggest lessons I’ll carry forward is to trust my instincts. They are my greatest asset. I’ve learned to follow that quiet, inner voice.
What was the most challenging or rewarding scene you filmed this season?
There’s a scene later in the season where Tiffany confronts her self-worth. It was both challenging and rewarding because I had to do that inner work myself. It made me reflect: Where am I on that journey? Have I grown? That kind of emotional honesty is what makes storytelling powerful.
How would you describe the chemistry on set between you and your castmates? Any behind-the-scenes moments that stand out?
We have a real sisterhood on and off the screen. We supported each other creatively and spiritually and gave one another space to shine. I truly feel like I gained a new family. There’s one behind-the-scenes moment that I’d love to share, but it’s a bit of a spoiler, so you’ll just have to tune in!
full look. Talent’s Own
If you could give your character one piece of advice as she navigates post-divorce life, what would it be?
Stay in therapy. [laughs]
Looking back at your guest roles on shows like ‘Shameless’ and ‘I Think You Should Leave’, is there a character or moment that stands out as a turning point in your career?
A major turning point was actually a commercial, a Super Bowl spot I did in 2021 with Michael B. Jordan. The experience and the response to it gave me so much confidence and clarity. It helped me own my talent and define my ambitions moving forward.
When you’re not working, you enjoy dancing, cooking, and travelling. What’s your go-to dish to cook after a long shoot day?
After a shoot day? I’m definitely ordering takeout! But when I have the time, I love cooking from scratch—handmade pasta, Thai dishes like drunken noodles, or a good curry.
Growing up in Pasadena and now living in L.A., how has your hometown shaped your journey in the entertainment industry?
I grew up around the industry, but my family is very academic, so my childhood was more about school and sports; entertainment wasn’t really on my radar. As an adult, though, being close to family has been a game-changer. There were times when I wanted to give up, and it was their presence—literally—that kept me going. Having a safe place to land in such a volatile industry has been a blessing.
With such a diverse body of work so far, what kinds of roles or stories are you hoping to explore next?
I’m really drawn to female anti-heroes: flawed, fierce, taboo-breaking characters who challenge societal norms. I want to dismantle the “good girl” trope and explore what it really means to be a Black woman in all her complexity. We’re in a time of massive social reckoning, especially when it comes to women’s rights and Black women’s visibility. As artists, I believe we’re called to challenge the status quo. Also… ‘White Lotus’ or ‘Hacks’, if you’re listening!
What advice would you give to young performers trying to break into acting, or make the leap from another performance art like dance?
Use every part of yourself. Art is interconnected—what you learn in one form can absolutely inform another. True expression comes from a sacred space within, and once you know how to tap into it, you can express it through dance, acting, music — whatever calls you.
And above all: Believe in yourself. If you think you can do it, you can.
