The holiday season is a time when discussions about classic films can get heated. Arguably, the most famous debate is the question of whether or not b Die Hard can be considered a Christmas film. No matter what position you stand, there is no escaping the fact that Die Hard is a “legendary” action film. This year take part to this holiday-action discussion with Carry-On, a heart-stopping thriller that mixes high-stakes-drama and holiday-seasonism.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Carry-On features Taron Egerton and provides all the tension a good action movie has to offer but with just enough tinsel to make it Christmas worthy.
The Plot: Simple Yet Intense
Deep down, Carry-On stays at a simple level, like Die Hard. The plot begins with Ethan Kopek (played by Taron Egerton), a TSA agent working on Christmas Eve at a busy airport. Ethan’s life is upended when a secret voice makes him transport a black suitcase on board an airplane.
The pressure is immense—Ethan’s pregnant fiancée is being taken hostage by a gunman. One misstep could cost her life. In order to increase the suspense, the caller gets access to the airport surveillance cameras, so concealing himself from Ethan becomes impossible from escaping the authorities’ attention.
Ethan’s backstory is simple yet relatable. He used to want to be a police officer, but ended up being stuck in a rut . He is presented with a chance to redeem himself (not to others, but to himself). The film doesn’t linger too long on his personal life, focusing instead on the immediate peril and how Ethan navigates it.
That is, in order to ensure that nobody doubts the holiday authenticity of the film, it starts a subplot in which the antagonist burns down a Christmas tree nursery. Subtle? Not really. Effective? Absolutely.
The Airport Setting: Tension in Every Corner
What makes Carry-On so gripping is its confined setting. Airports are already a mess, particularly on Christmas Eve, but this movie turns that mess into a pressure cooker. Ethan is surrounded by thousands of people, yet he’s completely isolated. The villain’s voice in his ear ensures that he can’t trust anyone or reach out for help without risking lives.
This setup creates a unique kind of tension. Airports are usually sites of motion and connection, however, they turn into a labyrinth of threat here. Ethan’s every step is watched, making it impossible for him to act freely.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra is too familiar with the intensity of spaces that are small. In his last film, The Shallows, he made a solitary rock with sharks all around it the setting for survival drama. In Carry-On, the packed airport is just as claustrophobic and threatening.
Modest Budget, Big Impact
In contrast to the blockbuster films of hyperstylized action films who relied on big production values and fantastic stunts, Carry-On opts for the more grounded DIY option. With a budget of just $47 million, the film prioritizes storytelling and tension over flashy effects.
Impossible. On the contrary, it manuevers and uses those bounds, turning it into a more human and powerful sensory experience.
The obvious issue, however, is a car accident photograph that is used for obvious digital manipulation. It is out of sync with a mostly gritty and realistic movie. Luckily, this is only for a short period of time and does not influence the overall experience.
A Refreshing Take on Holiday Action
Netflix’s Carry-On is a film that evokes a sense of nostalgic yearning for the action flicks we used to enjoy at the movies as a group. It’s simple, entertaining and ideal for holiday watching.
The success of Netflix original/feature films has been mixed over the years. Many have seemed overproduced or lacking in substance. Still, Carry-On, although, is a positive step in the right direction. It’s a pretty clever subversion of a classic trope, with a festive kick that lets it stand out.
There is no attempt to turn over the wheel in this film, and that’s in its power. It’s fun, fast-paced, and knows precisely what it wants to be—a solid action film that keeps you entertained.
Why Carry-On Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist
If you’re a fan of action-packed stories with high stakes, Carry-On is a must-see. Taron Egerton also delivers a powerful performance as a hero who is thrown into a circumstance much larger than himself. Starring Jason Bateman as the surprising antagonist, the stage of the film is further tense up by Bateman’s icy, clinical attitude.
The festive season setting of the movie makes it a great option for December movie marathons. It’s that type of movie that you can watch with friends and family.
