Netflix’s latest film, Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, offers viewers a tension-filled ride during the holiday season, turning the festive atmosphere upside down with its gripping storyline. Starring Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent caught in the web of blackmail, the film explores themes of trust, morality, and the frailty of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles International Airport on Christmas Day.
At the heart of Carry-On is the character of Ethan, who is more than just your average TSA officer. He’s ambitious, longing for personal advancement, and struggling with the disillusionment of his monotonous job. The film opens as Ethan kicks off the busiest travel day of the year, only to find himself embroiled in a sinister scheme when he’s contacted by the Traveler, played by Jason Bateman.
The Traveler, who emerges as the film’s primary antagonist, is not just any villain. He is crafty, intelligent, and operates with chilling calmness as he blackmails Ethan, warning him to let specific luggage through security or risk severe consequences—including the safety of Ethan's wife, Nora, played by Sofia Carson. The tension escalates when Ethan learns he must allow the transportation of Novichok, a deadly nerve agent, putting not just his loved ones but hundreds of innocent passengers at risk.
The film certainly takes after Christmas classics with dangerous twists, reminiscent of the genre pioneered by Die Hard. Not only does it showcase the physical setting of airports, but it also dives deeply to explore psychological thrills, leaving the viewer questioning what they would do in Ethan's dire situation. What would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?
Ethan's moral dilemma is compounded by the fact he’s routinely under the Traveler’s sinister gaze, where every move he makes is manipulated through threats and surveillance. Theo Rossi plays the role of the Watcher, the Traveler’s accomplice stationed off-site, making Ethan's plight even more precarious. The clever plotting reveals layers of complications and character backstories, prompting audiences to invest emotionally as the narrative progresses.
The plot thickens as Ethan's struggle to keep both his partner and the passengers safe becomes intertwined with serious political undertones. The assassinations aimed at Grace Turner, a politician, add another layer of intrigue and reveal the broader conspiracy. The reasons behind these heinous acts are exposed gradually, casting doubt on the motives of the villains and showcasing how political gain can lead to unimaginable calamities—something often seen echoed through real-world events.
Director Collet-Serra's previous works, such as The Commuter and Run All Night, inform his ability to effectively build suspense and maintain momentum throughout Carry-On. Although some reviews note the film as heavily formulaic, it’s undeniable how the dynamic between Ethan and the Traveler breaks new ground through engaging dialogue and sharp writing. Bateman’s performance offers the character of the Traveler dimension and nuance, elevatively portraying him as both threatening yet unsettlingly charismatic.
Critics have pointed out the film’s pacing, with some arguing it rushes to its conclusion at the expense of emotional depth. There are moments where character arcs feel underexplored, especially during key dramatic sequences. Nevertheless, Egerton skillfully embodies Ethan’s inner conflict, effectively portraying the multi-faceted nature of his character’s evolution throughout the film.
The standout moments showcase Ethan needing to carry out perilous tasks under the Traveler’s control, pushing him to the limits of both his patience and ethics. With every choice he makes, Ethan inches closer to either salvation or catastrophe, keeping viewers on edge.
The ending is marked by thrilling tension, following Ethan’s desperate attempts to outsmart the Traveler both for his own sake and the lives of others. The climax culminates as he finally confronts the matter head-on, showcasing the unexpected but brutal choices made during actions of self-preservation.
Alongside the gripping narrative, the cast supports Egerton and Bateman admirably. Danielle Deadwyler plays Elena Cole, adding depth and credibility to the police component of the storyline. Actors such as Dean Norris and Logan Marshall-Green contribute well with impactful performances and tight characterizations, making their roles memorable.
While Carry-On may hit familiar beats seen within its genre, its specific focus, tight pacing, and the unexpected twists showcased justify its buzz as one of this year’s notable holiday films. It successfully combines action with thought-provoking dilemmas and stands as yet another example of Netflix’s ability to provide content rich with entertainment value.
With a deadline to protect his loved ones, Ethan's character arc reflects not just the physical hunt to thwart disaster but also the emotional battle of trust and secrecy. Netflix’s Carry-On is sure to keep viewers engaged and questioning the delicate balance of human relationships under duress, making it ideal for those seeking to diversify their holiday movie roster with something not-so-typical.
Rating: 7/10
