Warning: Minor spoilers from “No Time To Die” and major spoilers from previous James Bond films.  

Throughout my life, I was told by my friends and family that the James Bond movies were amazing. They encouraged me to watch them, emphasizing the action and stories of the titular secret agent. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the character until recently, seeing trailers for the films before watching a Marvel movie was often intriguing. 

When I heard that “No Time To Die” (2021) was going to be the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s stint as Bond, I knew it was time for me to watch the series and fully appreciate his interpretation of the character. I enjoyed all of the films leading up to the finale, and after watching “No Time To Die,” I truly believe that it’s a stellar conclusion to this modern 007 story.

His past haunts him and forces him to return to the agency.

“No Time To Die” continues the story of Daniel Craig’s James Bond from the last film, “Spectre” (2015). Craig continues to do an amazing job as Bond and gives his all for this last installment. 

While Bond believes that he left his life as a MI6 agent behind, his past haunts him and forces him to return to the agency. The whole cast also does an outstanding job throughout this film. Moneypenny and Q, played by Naomie Harris and Ben Winshaw, respectively, return and help Bond throughout his final adventure. Léa Seydoux also returns as Madeleine Swann, holding a secret that will change Bond’s life forever. 

The film introduces the new 007, Nomi, who is played by Lashana Lynch. When attending a roundtable discussion with Lynch and director Cary Joji Fukunaga, Lynch stated that her character will help reshape “how women are viewed and represented within the franchise.” All of her scenes in the movie were spectacular, especially her relationship with Bond, and it will be exciting to see her in future films. Rather than being another love interest of Bond, she is a new MI6 agent who is determined to complete missions independently for the agency rather than help Bond with his adventures.

Essential to every Bond film is a villain; in “No Time To Die,” the frightening figure is Lyutsifer Safin, played by Rami Malek. His first scene scared me, and I believe the rest of the audience felt the same way. His eerie personality throughout the movie is very engaging and entices the viewer to learn more about his motives. 

The action was fantastic, as always. The choreography was very smooth and made the viewer feel immersed in the scene. There is a single-take scene that immediately caught my attention and reminded me of the fight scenes in Marvel’s “Daredevil” (2015). However, the cheesy one-liners throughout some fight scenes felt very forced.  

“No Time To Die” acts as a great conclusion to Daniel Craig’s James Bond, which has spanned more than a decade. It’s filled with many surprises and keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. While it does not have the same intensity in plot as “Skyfall” (2012), it is a unique Bond film because it challenges the character one last time to surpass his limits as a 007.

This story will definitely leave a lasting impact on fans of Craig’s Bond and is a great conclusion to his character. At the roundtable, Fukunaga stated that Craig was his favorite Bond because he “brought a really interesting, multilayered character there with you know damage and conflict and vulnerability,” and I agree. Craig did an outstanding job as Bond, and this film is a well-written thank-you letter to all of his fans.