Carry-On Review
On the night before Christmas at LAX, the atmosphere is deceptively calm until TSA agent Ethan Kopek, played by Taron Egerton, finds himself caught in a tense thriller that could be straight out of a Christmas movie gone wrong. Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, stands out amidst a flurry of predictable holiday films currently available on Netflix, offering a fresh twist with its gripping airport setting.
Ethan, who started working at the airport to impress his girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson), is under pressure with a baby on the way. His desire to prove himself leads him to confront his boss (Dean Norris) for a chance to operate the airport’s x-ray machines. Unfortunately, the day’s events take a dark turn when a mysterious traveler, played by Jason Bateman, enters the scene with a dangerous agenda and threats directed at Nora. This sets off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse within the airport.
The film effectively combines elements of tension, suspense, and dark humor. While it carries reminders of classics like Die Hard, Carry-On focuses more on psychological tension rather than sheer action. Ethan finds himself both the hunter and the hunted, with the enigmatic traveler manipulating the environment, utilizing airport cameras to monitor his every move while delivering a litany of threats and sardonic commentary.
Egerton delivers a performance infused with charm and confidence, a welcome juxtaposition to Bateman’s layered portrayal of menace and wit. Viewers can find humor even in dire situations, particularly through the film’s absurd moments, such as a comical fight on a baggage conveyor belt set to the tune of Wham!’s “Last Christmas.”
The script, which deftly balances workplace comedy with the thriller elements, creates an intriguing build-up. However, some aspects, like the role of LAPD detective Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler), feel underexplored, leaving the character’s potential largely untapped until the film’s climax.
Overall, Carry-On offers not just festive entertainment but also an unconventional take on holiday thrillers, showcasing how chaos can unfold in the most unexpected places. As audiences navigate the typical holiday fare, this film serves as a reminder that sometimes, in the midst of holiday hustle, a little suspense can add the perfect twist to the season.
Summary: Carry-On is a suspenseful holiday thriller set in an airport on Christmas Eve. Taron Egerton shines as TSA agent Ethan Kopek, who gets caught in a dangerous game orchestrated by Jason Bateman’s mysterious traveler. While borrowing from classic action tropes, the film focuses on psychological tension and humor, offering a refreshing alternative to typical holiday films.