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Netflixhas once again proven its ability to break away from conventional holiday storytelling withCarry-On, a Christmas-themed action-thriller that is capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and led by Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, the film offers a refreshing blend of high-stakes tension and holiday atmosphere.
While it has drawn comparisons toDie Hardfor its unique setting and adrenaline-pumping storyline,Carry-Onmanages to carve its own niche, becoming a standout in Netflix’s 2024 holiday lineup.
With its gripping plot, compelling performances, and unexpected twists,Carry-Onhas been hailed by critics as a “10/10 thriller” and is already being celebrated as the best Christmas movie of the year.
Here’s a comprehensive look at whyCarry-Onis making waves, what makes it unique, and how it compares to other holiday favorites.
Let’s get started!
A Plot That Packs a Punch
The story ofCarry-Oncenters around Ethan Kopek, a young Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer working at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Played with nuanced vulnerability by Taron Egerton, Ethan is a man trapped in mediocrity, stuck in a dead-end job and struggling to find purpose in life.
His girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson), serves as his moral compass, urging him to aspire for something greater—especially after they discover they are expecting a child.
Set against the backdrop of Christmas Eve, Ethan’s routine airport shift takes a dark turn when he is contacted by a mysterious traveler, portrayed with sinister charm byJason Bateman.
Using a mix of coercion and psychological manipulation, the traveler blackmails Ethan into letting a dangerous package bypass airport security. Unbeknownst to Ethan, the package poses a grave threat to hundreds of passengers, setting the stage for a race against time.
The film’s pacing is one of its strongest assets. It begins with a gradual build-up, offering glimpses of Ethan’s dissatisfaction with life before plunging him into a series of escalating crises.
The moment Ethan discovers a discarded earbud and receives a cryptic message instructing him to wear it, the tension becomes palpable. From this point forward,Carry-Ontransitions into a nail-biting thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Unlike traditional Christmas movies, which often lean on sentimentality and nostalgia,Carry-Onoffers an unorthodox approach to holiday storytelling. The festive setting provides a striking contrast to the film’s dark and suspenseful tone.
Twinkling lights and Christmas carols serve as a backdrop to Ethan’s desperate attempts to outwit the antagonist and avert disaster.
This juxtaposition of holiday cheer and high-stakes tension draws inevitable comparisons toDie Hard, the 1988 action classic widely regarded as the quintessentialChristmasmovie for those seeking something outside the rom-com genre.
However,Carry-Ondistinguishes itself by focusing on the psychological interplay between its characters, particularly Ethan and the traveler.
While the film doesn’t shy away from action, including an exhilarating high-speed chase through the airport, its core strength lies in its ability to build suspense.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on thrillers likeNon-StopandThe Shallows, masterfully escalates the tension, making every interaction between Ethan and the traveler feel like a high-stakes chess match.
A Dynamic Duo
The success ofCarry-Onowes much to its two lead actors,Taron Egertonand Jason Bateman, whose performances anchor the film. Egerton, best known for his roles inKingsmanandRocketman, steps into a more subdued role as Ethan Kopek.
Unlike the confident and charismatic Eggsy fromKingsman, Ethan is an everyman—ordinary, flawed, and relatable. Egerton captures this vulnerability with finesse, making Ethan’s transformation from passive TSA officer to unlikely hero feel earned and believable.
Jason Bateman, on the other hand, delivers a standout performance as the antagonist. Known for his work in dramas likeOzarkand thrillers likeThe Gift, Bateman brings a chilling presence to the role.
His character is both manipulative and menacing, using psychological warfare to keep Ethan—and the audience—guessing. Bateman’s condescending tone and calculated cynicism make him a villain you love to hate, adding depth to the film’s central conflict.
The chemistry between Egerton and Bateman is electric, with their verbal sparring providing some of the film’s most memorable moments. The dynamic between the two characters underscores the film’s central theme: the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Jaume Collet-Serra’s direction is a major highlight ofCarry-On. Drawing on his expertise in crafting contained thrillers, Collet-Serra makes excellent use of the airport setting, transforming it into a labyrinthine arena of suspense.
The film’s cinematography amplifies the tension, with tight framing and dynamic camera movements that mirror Ethan’s escalating panic.
One of the standout sequences in the film is a high-speed chase that unfolds entirely within the confined space of a car. The camera work in this scene is particularly impressive, capturing the chaos and urgency of the moment while maintaining clarity and coherence.
This sequence alone is a testament to Collet-Serra’s skill as a filmmaker and adds a layer of technical brilliance to the movie.
For viewers seeking an alternative to the usual holiday fare,Carry-Onoffers a refreshing change of pace. While it may not replace traditional favorites likeHome AloneorElf, it fills a unique niche as a holiday thriller that combines suspense, action, and just a touch of sentimentality.
The film’s exploration of themes like redemption, sacrifice, and the importance of family aligns it with the spirit of the season, albeit in a more unconventional way.
That said,Carry-Onisn’t without its flaws. Some critics have noted that the narrative occasionally veers into implausibility, particularly in the third act.
Additionally, while the action sequences are well-executed, the film doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling, relying on familiar tropes to drive the plot.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Despite its minor shortcomings,Carry-Onhas received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many have praised its ability to balance tension and holiday charm, with some even dubbing it the “best Christmas movie of the year.”
The film’s brisk pacing, compelling performances, and festive setting have made it a hit among Netflix subscribers, propelling it to the top of the platform’s movie rankings.
Carry-On: Netflix’s Thrilling Christmas Hit of 2024
Aspect
Details
Title
Carry-On
Genre
Action-Thriller, Holiday
Director
Jaume Collet-Serra
Lead Cast
Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson
Plot Focus
TSA officer battling a sinister threat
Unique Elements
High tension, holiday setting, action-packed scenes
Standout Performance
Jason Bateman as the antagonist
Streaming Platform
Netflix
Comparable Films
Die Hard, Non-Stop, The Gift
Critical Reception
Hailed as “10/10” and “Best Christmas Movie of 2024”
Movie Details
The Legacy of Holiday Thrillers
Carry-Onjoins a growing list of holiday-themed thrillers that have carved out a niche in popular culture. While films likeDie HardandGremlinspaved the way for this subgenre,Carry-Onproves that there is still room for innovation.
Its success suggests that audiences are eager for holiday movies that go beyond the usual tropes, offering suspense and excitement alongside seasonal cheer.
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Final Thoughts
With its unique blend of thrills and festive spirit,Carry-Onis poised to become a holiday favorite for years to come.
It offers a compelling alternative to traditional Christmas movies, appealing to viewers who crave adrenaline-fueled storytelling during the holiday season.
Whether you’re a fan of action, suspense, or simply looking for something different to watch this Christmas,Carry-Onis well worth adding to your watchlist.
As Netflix continues to push the boundaries of holiday entertainment,Carry-Onserves as a shining example of how the streaming giant is redefining what a Christmas movie can be.
Last Updated: December 16, 2024
