Netflix’s latest holiday action-thriller, Carry-On, has quickly gained traction as the streaming giant’s number one film, even as the Christmas season winds down. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for blockbuster hits like Jungle Cruise and Black Adam, the movie stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent thrust unwillingly onto the front lines of danger on Christmas Eve at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
On this fateful holiday, Ethan receives a mysterious call from The Traveler, portrayed by the ever-charismatic Jason Bateman. The conversation takes a dark twist as The Traveler threatens Ethan's pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson), demanding the TSA agent let through suspicious luggage undetected—or face dire consequences. The ticking clock of the holiday setting only intensifies Ethan's predicament, forcing him to navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas of his job.
According to PEOPLE, Sofia Carson remarked on Bateman's performance, noting, "it's extraordinary to see [Jason] as the bad guy," highlighting his departure from traditional comedic roles. Carson shared, "Nora, my character, has blossomed because she's fearless, she's brave, she's bold," showcasing the complexity of character development peppered through high-stakes action.
Critics have described Carry-On as both "an ode to the beloved Die Hard" and "a popcorn delight." The film starts slow, establishing its characters against the backdrop of holiday chaos, but quickly escalates as Ethan, frustrated and fearful, attempts to outsmart the villain threatening the safety of hundreds. Carson’s portrayal of Nora aims to balance her character's personal strength with vulnerability as she copes with the threat against her life and the man she loves.
Despite some critics labeling it as formulaic, the film's gripping tension and well-crafted action sequences have kept viewers engaged. With Egerton’s performance as Ethan displaying raw emotion and chaos, audiences are drawn to his plight. "It's just so cool how it was done. And I think people are going to enjoy it so much," said Carson about the film's compelling narrative arc.
Though the film's Rotten Tomatoes score stands at 88%, it faces mixed reactions from viewers, achieving only 53% on the audience score. While some call it suspenseful, others have expressed frustration with the plot's execution. Yet the viewing audience clearly remains captivated. Notably, Carry-On has outperformed other original Netflix titles, including Tyler Perry’s recent war drama and animated films.
From the film's intense stakes to the light-hearted moments interwoven to keep the tone engaging, Carry-On highlights the capacity of holiday films to weave suspense and thrill with traditional cheer. The combination of strong performances, especially from Bateman and Egerton, transforms what could have been another cookie-cutter holiday flick.
The film, hailed as both "a thrilling adventure" and "a great time for the winter break," emphasizes how the holiday lens can distort ordinary circumstances to extraordinary heights. Even during the quiet after the holiday season, Carry-On shows no sign of slowing down, captivating audiences worldwide. With the blend of comedy and suspense, it serves as both entertainment and cautionary tale—maybe pausing those travel plans after all!
So if you're seeking one last holiday viewing before the New Year settles in, Carry-On might just be the adrenaline rush you didn't know you needed. Currently streaming on Netflix, this movie promises to offer thrills aplenty, just make sure not to pack any suspicious carry-ons.