This Christmas season, Netflix has surprised viewers with its action thriller 'Carry-On', directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. Starring Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, the film skillfully blends suspense with holiday cheer, albeit very loosely associated with Christmas itself. The story takes place on Christmas Eve at Los Angeles's busy LAX airport, introducing viewers to Ethan, who is not only grappling with his career dissatisfaction as a TSA agent but also navigates the urgency of impending fatherhood with his girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson).
Right from the movie's outset, it sets the stage for high-octane action with the introduction of the Mysterious Traveler (Jason Bateman). This ominous character arrives with sinister intentions, and during the busiest travel day of the year, he manipulates Ethan's vulnerabilities as part of his elaborate terrorist scheme. "What would you do if it meant saving hundreds of innocent lives?" This resonates as one of the film's central questions as Ethan finds himself caught between personal love and public responsibility.
Before we dig deep, let's take stock of Ethan’s circumstances. He’s stuck working as a TSA agent—a job he accepts just to impress Nora, who knows he has bigger dreams of becoming a police officer. Pushed by his girlfriend, he takes on scanning duties during the chaotic Christmas rush. Little does he know, switching positions sets off catastrophic events; the Mysterious Traveler slips Ethan an earpiece, stating dire consequences if he doesn’t follow orders. What ensues is not merely about action, but the psychological tension of how one man's decisions can save or condemn lives.
Among the chaotic hustle of LAX, Ethan finds himself blackmailed—allowing the suspicious bag through security or risk his beloved pregnant girlfriend’s life. The anxiety builds through masterful direction as the audience watches Ethan maneuver through claustrophobic security checkpoints and navigate the fear-laden expectations laid on him by the Traveler. Accurately, one review noted, "Airports turn people such dickheads," underscoring the heightened stress of public spaces, which become backdrops for similarly distressed human interactions.
For audiences familiar with airport thrillers, 'Carry-On' effectively evokes comparisons to iconic films like 'Die Hard', especially considering the quick-witted, perilous exchanges between Ethan and the Traveler. The film expertly employs tension, where actions escalate rapidly – from seemingly mundane to the life-threatening, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Through twists and conflicts, the plot takes turns darker than initially suggested. The suspense escalates when Ethan realizes he is not just acting as the pass-through gate but instead is pivotal to the fate of potentially hundreds at LAX. He's forced to act against his instincts to protect his family—a true moral dilemma. The ethical quandary is succinctly summarized: "For once, the Russians are not the bad guys. Instead rich, American private weapons contractors are," spinning the storyline on its head and providing commentary on the narrative tropes surrounding terrorism.
While carrying the intense crime angle with strong performances by all cast members, it’s Jason Bateman's portrayal of the Traveler that's chillingly captivating. His demeanor varies from smug to outright threatening, adding complexity to this otherwise straightforward action plot. Some might say Bateman's performance has redefined his typecasting, effectively showcasing his range as he embraces more menacing roles. This refreshing dynamic elevates the film beyond typical holiday fare.
Technically, the film shines too—Collet-Serra captures the airport's chaotic environment faithfully, allowing it to serve as more than just backdrop. The cinematography heightens the holiday stress: the sprawl of travelers, the dizzying pace, and the palpable tensions of those ground to halt by tragedies just outside their control. The film also incorporates humor, seen through the camaraderie or light-hearted banter among fellow TSA agents, grounding what could have been just another dreary action narrative.
Despite the gripping development, the character of LAPD detective Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler) feels underwhelming for much of the action, with some critics noting her limited impact until the final act. Nonetheless, Deadwyler's performance brings poignancy as her character pieces together the bomb plot's intricacies. She is the one who leads the charge once the significance of the terrorist plot unveils itself fully—adding necessary depth to the otherwise male-centric narrative.
At its resolution, Ethan emerges not only surviving the gambit but also maturing through the challenges faced, from coworker camaraderie to professional aspirations. One year later, he and Nora are now proud parents on vacation, signaling growth from his harrowing ordeal. Before exiting, one cannot help but reflect: Is 'Carry-On' genuinely the holiday film 2023 needed? Critics suggest so, dubbing it "the best Christmas movie of the year," inviting viewers to engage with its blend of festive drills and gritty suspense.
Overall, 'Carry-On' stands out among the crowded season offerings on Netflix as both thrilling and surprisingly engaging, offering far more humor and heart than typical holiday blockbusters. The film’s festive release might serve to remind us of escapist cinema, layered with anxiety and ethical dilemmas, illustrating the dynamics of loyalty and heroism just when we least expect it.