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The 25th James Bond film, “No Time to Die”, stands out as a milestone in the franchise’s storied history. It not only delivers a bold and definitive send-off for Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007, but also ties together the lingering threads from the previous four installments. Adding to its significance, it marks the final Bond film produced under the stewardship of the Broccoli/Wilson family—Albert R. Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli—before Eon Productions’ rights transitioned to Amazon MGM. In many ways, “No Time to Die” isn’t just the end of an era for an actor, but a powerful closing chapter for the entire 25-film legacy.
In No Time to Die, James Bond has left active service and is enjoying a quiet life in Jamaica, but his peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with a dangerous new bioweapon. As secrets from the past resurface, Bond must confront the cost of loyalty and love in a final, high-stakes confrontation that could change everything.
What sets the Daniel Craig era of James Bond apart from previous iterations is its strong commitment to continuity. Of the five films, only “Skyfall” feels somewhat like a standalone entry—yet even its events have a direct impact on what follows. This serialized approach allows for rare developments in the Bond universe, such as the return of Madeleine (Léa Seydoux), who not only reprises her role but plays a significant part in “No Time to Die”. For once, a Bond relationship isn’t doomed to end after one film. I had criticized “Spectre” for placing too much emotional weight on Madeleine’s importance to Bond, assuming she would vanish by the next installment. I was wrong.
However, this continuity also presents a challenge: keeping track of characters and plot threads over the course of several years between films. With a six-year gap between “Spectre” and “No Time to Die”, even as someone who’s been rewatching one Bond film per week for the past six months, I still found myself wondering what exactly Mr. White’s role was in “Casino Royale“, since that film focused so much on Le Chiffre and the infamous card game.
Bond’s relationship with Madeleine forms the emotional core of “No Time to Die”, lending the film a sense of gravitas not often found in the franchise. It’s one of the key elements that makes the movie feel fresh and original, despite being the 25th entry in the series. And yet, for all its emotional weight and character-driven storytelling, there are plenty of classic Bond moments that bring the series full circle—more so than in any other Daniel Craig outing. There are gadgets, like a bulletproof car and an EMP watch. There are high-octane stunts, thrilling action sequences, and a finale set in a villain’s lair—a long-standing staple of the series. What sets this finale apart, however, is its finality. It closes the chapter not just on Craig’s tenure, but also on Eon’s run, making it a truly unique and fitting end. They couldn’t have gone out in a better way.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Bond movie without new Bond girls. “No Time to Die” introduces two: Ana de Armas as Paloma, a vibrant Cuban agent who helps Bond in a single, standout sequence, and Lashana Lynch as Nomi, Bond’s successor at MI6 and the new 007. Paloma may have limited screen time, but de Armas leaves a lasting impression—bringing charm, comedic timing, and elegance to the role. Her confidence and beauty in that stunning low-cut dress make her one of the most memorable Bond girls in recent memory.
Nomi, meanwhile, plays a more substantial role, working toward the same goal as Bond while occasionally butting heads with him. Their dynamic adds tension and humor, particularly in a running gag about who really gets to claim the 007 title. The fact that Nomi is a Black woman stirred controversy among online trolls, but in the film, Lynch brings energy, confidence, and presence to the role—proving she belongs in the Bond universe. And as if that wasn’t enough to rile up the usual crowd, the film also casually reveals Q as gay—another small but meaningful step forward in representation. “No Time to Die” balances tradition with progress, delivering a finale that honors the past while daring to evolve.
Despite its 163-minute runtime—the longest in the entire series—”No Time to Die” never drags or feels bloated. The pacing feels earned, and the story remains engaging throughout. The film’s only real weak spot is its villain, Lyutsifer Safin, played by Rami Malek, fresh off his Oscar win for “Bohemian Rhapsody”. I’ve never been particularly drawn to Malek’s performances—though he was solid in “Mr. Robot”—his soft, almost droopy voice and monotone delivery just don’t do it for me. In a franchise known for larger-than-life antagonists, Safin comes across as underwhelming, even with the film’s chilling opening that shows him at his most ruthless. His scarred makeup design, meant to reflect surviving a poisoning attempt, adds visual interest, but the character remains flat. It’s also jarring that in the film’s flashback to Madeleine’s childhood, she ages decades while he appears unchanged. Safin is unlikely to be remembered among the franchise’s most iconic villains.
That said, “No Time to Die” still stands as a powerful and fitting conclusion to the James Bond saga as we know it. While the villain falters, the film soars in nearly every other respect. Alongside “Skyfall“, it’s my favorite of the Daniel Craig films. Time will tell where the franchise goes next, but for now, it has gone out on a well-earned high note.
