“Dead Reckoning”: the title of the new “Mission: Impossible” movie explained

“Mission: Impossible 7 – Dead Reckoning Part One” is not only one of the longest and most uncomfortable movie titles of the cinema year, but also one of the most meaningful. Because while nonsensical words like “Retribution” or “Apocalypse” are often added to sequel titles for no real understandable reason, Is there actually a logical explanation for the title “Dead Reckoning” – or actually even three!

“Dead Reckoning” as a navigation term

The first and most obvious explanation is simply the meaning of the title: “Dead Reckoning” is a term from air and water navigation and means that you orient yourself only on the basis of the starting position or last known position and data such as speed and orientation of the ship or aircraft. In German the term dead reckoning is common for this.

And in fact, the words “Dead Reckoning” are used in the opening sequence of “Mission: Impossible 7”. The commander of the Sevastopol explains that his submarine only moves using “dead reckoning” and is therefore virtually invisible to all other ships in the vicinity. Since we saw the film in English during the press screening, we unfortunately do not know which term is used here in the German version.

“Dead Reckoning” as a metaphor

So there’s the simple, obvious explanation that the title “Dead Reckoning” appears in the film and dead reckoning plays a small role. But there is also a second, metaphorical level that director Christopher McQuarrie also told the film magazine “The term means that you choose your course based solely on your last known position, and that’s quite a metaphor, not just for Ethan Hunt but for several characters.”

Thus, Ethan and other characters in “Mission Impossible 7” must act instinctively, make instinctive decisions, adapt to circumstances, and react spontaneously. – actually typical of a “Mission: Impossible” movie. But in this special case it is even more specific:

After all, it is “Dead Reckoning”. a form of navigation that does not use modern, digital tools such as the internet or GPS. And that’s exactly what Ethan and Co. have to do as the story progresses, when their laptops and communication devices are taken over by the overpowering entity. The title therefore also represents a return to a more analogue time.

“Dead Reckoning” as reckoning of the dead

The third statement slightly skews the actual meaning of the title, but it’s probably the one that first came to mind for those in the audience unfamiliar with (English) terminology used in navigation (i.e. most): “Dead Reckoning” can also be understood as “Reckoning Of The Dead” i.e. translated as reckoning or vengeance of the dead – and that somehow fits “Mission: Impossible 7” as well:

Finally, Gabriel (Esai Morales), a character from Ethan’s past who he thought was dead or at least gone forever, returns. And on top of that, Gabriel is responsible for the death of Marie (Mariela Garriga), which Ethan still hasn’t come to terms with and who is now becoming very important again – at the latest in part 8 aka “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning”. Part two”.

“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 2” is scheduled to hit German cinemas on June 27, 2024. Depending on how long the current Hollywood writers and actors union strike lasts, this start date will be postponed.