On December 13, 2024, Netflix released Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, marking his return to mid-budget action thrillers after his collaborations with Dwayne Johnson.
The film stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer who, on Christmas Eve, finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes scenario at Los Angeles International Airport. When Ethan receives threatening instructions from the mysterious Traveler, played by Jason Bateman, he is forced to let through dangerous cargo to protect his pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson).
Carry-On follows Ethan as he navigates the pressures of his job and his moral dilemmas to thwart this threatening plot involving nerve agents. Bateman's character embodies the villain with chilling calmness, holding Ethan's fate—and the lives of many passengers—in his hands.
Collet-Serra, known for films like Non-Stop and Unknown, has crafted Carry-On to resonate with viewers through its relatable protagonist depicting realities many face today. "The character has never been tested before. He doesn’t know his full potential. I think a lot of people can relate to him," Collet-Serra explained during interviews.
The movie captures the chaos of holiday travel, juxtaposing festive cheer with the underlying tension of Ethan’s predicament. Filmed primarily at the decommissioned terminal of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the production team recreated the busy, modern airport atmosphere necessary for the plot.
Production designer Diane Lederman emphasized the importance of authenticity, collaborating with local businesses to mimic the ambiance of LAX. The movie also incorporated real-life TSA practices, thanks to experts brought onboard during the filming to train actors, including Deadwyler, who plays LAPD Detective Elena Cole.
Reviews upon release highlighted how Carry-On deftly blends action and suspense with rich character arcs. Critics noted Egerton’s performance as particularly effective, portraying Ethan with depth and vulnerability rather than relying solely on action-hero tropes. “Egerton brings depth and vulnerability to Ethan Kopek, making him a compelling protagonist,” praised one review from Digital Trends.
Jason Bateman's portrayal of the antagonist similarly drew attention, showcasing his versatility as he shifts from comedy to more serious roles with expertise. “He can just do so much with so little… you never know what’s going to happen next,” remarked Collet-Serra about his leading villain.
The film's themes traverse those of moral dilemmas, showcasing how ordinary individuals are pushed to their limits when faced with extraordinary circumstances. With the stakes reaching new heights as time ticks away, the narrative requires viewers to invest fully, making for captivating viewing.
Despite its high-paced action, some reviews noted narrative flaws, particularly involving secondary characters who felt less developed. Still, the film manages to deliver satisfying resolutions, tying up plot threads carefully. Carry-On invites comparisons to classics like Die Hard, and its Christmas setting has sparked discussions about its status as a holiday movie.
“Is Carry-On a Christmas movie? It happens during Christmas, so yes,” Collet-Serra mused, equipping his film with the spirit of the season contrasted with dire situations reminiscent of holiday thrillers.
Zoë Larkin of The Guardian noted: "It’s the Christmas movie we need," emphasizing the film's tight plot and the balancing act it achieves between tension and comedy, akin to beloved holiday action films of the past.
After Carry-On, viewers are left connecting with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the struggles of everyday heroes. The film honors its roots within the action genre but also explores emotional depth through character backstories and relationships.
For fans of high-stakes action intertwined with poignant storytelling, Carry-On delivers satisfying thrills packed within the accessible framework of Netflix's extensive catalog. It is already positioned as part of the new wave of holiday action films, proving once again how thrillers can effectively entertain audiences during the festive season.
Available now on Netflix, Carry-On invites viewers to strap in for both excitement and emotional engagement. It beautifully embodies the idea of ordinary heroes facing extraordinary circumstances, leaving audiences cheering for Ethan Kopek and hoping for his redemption.
