Netflix has kicked off the holiday season with quite the bang, releasing its latest thrilling feature, Carry-On, on December 13, 2024. Starring Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, the film has drawn immediate attention, not just for its star-studded cast led by Egerton and Jason Bateman, but also for its gripping plot set against the backdrop of Christmas chaos at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
At first glance, the film's title might mislead some to think it's part of the classic British comedy franchise, but don’t be fooled. Carry-On is far from comedic, instead drawing significant inspiration from the 80s action thriller, Die Hard. With an impressive 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's being dubbed as one of Netflix's standout holiday movies.
So what exactly is Carry-On about? The story revolves around Ethan, who finds himself working the bag-screening checkpoint at LAX on what should be one of the busiest travel days of the year: Christmas Eve. Just as Ethan is on the verge of pursuing his ambition of becoming a police officer, he becomes embroiled in high-stakes drama when he discovers he has been blackmailed by Bateman's character, known only as 'Traveler'.
The Traveler forces Ethan to let through a dangerous suitcase as part of his sinister plan, with the life of Ethan's pregnant girlfriend, Nora (played by Sofia Carson), hanging precariously in the balance. The tension builds as Ethan must navigate this perilous situation, balancing his duty as a TSA agent with the desperate need to protect his loved one.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra, who previously helmed action-packed features such as Non-Stop, has created another gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists. With Ethan's life and hundreds of other passengers' lives at stake, the film escalates quickly as the clock ticks down to departure.
Interestingly, the film's pacing and tension have earned comparisons to classic thrillers of the '90s; audiences are treated to not just mindless action but also intellectual battles between Egerton and Bateman. While there are moments where the plot threatens to veer too far away from reality—essentially taking viewers on a wild ride through airport security mishaps—the film holds onto enough suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bateman, known for his comedic roles, seamlessly transitions to the ominous figure of the Traveler. His performance, touted as one of the film's highlights, presents him as calm and collected, making him all the more unsettling as he toy with Ethan's emotions and choices. His ability to blend charm with menace gives the film its pulse.
Building on their shared narrative of frailty, Ethan embodies the everyman – unprepared, vulnerable, and unsure. This human touch differentiates him from the often invulnerable heroes of action films. Viewers can relate to his panic, awkwardness, and moral dilemmas, making his mission to save Nora even more poignant.
But ＜em>Carry-On
Despite its shortcomings, Carry-On has emerged as one of the unexpected contenders for the holiday movie season. While it indulges in some clichés—like the convenient inability of bystanders to intervene during chaos—it nevertheless carves out space for itself amid the traditional Christmas fare by providing adrenaline and excitement.
Those familiar with the thriller genre will find familiarity within the film's fabric. It embraces its roots, paying homage to films like Die Hard and Speed, creating something old yet new, thrilling yet relatable, as it embeds itself as part of current pop culture.
Cinematically, the film also relies heavily on its visual and auditory stimuli. The soundtrack envelops viewers, enhancing the anxiety and stakes present throughout the narrative. Notably, the use of Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” transitions from Christmas cheer to chilling foreboding, showcasing director Collet-Serra's adeptness at mixing fun with tension.
With the positive reception surrounding Carry-On, Egerton has been vocal about the prospect of pursuing sequels. "I think it turned out great, and I am open to anything and everything. You say sequel and my tail pricks up,” he stated, sparking curiosity about potential future adventures for Ethan.
For now, audiences can enjoy this holiday thriller streaming exclusively on Netflix, adding it to their seasonal watch list. For those seeking the perfect juxtaposition of festive ambiance and heartfelt action, Carry-On stands as a uniquely holiday experience this season.
