Carry-On movie review: Director Jaume Collet-Serra, best known for his mid-budget thrillers like Non-Stop and Orphan, reclaims his cinematic mojo with Carry-On. After lukewarm receptions to his recent large-scale blockbusters Jungle Cruise and Black Adam, Collet-Serra returns to his roots in gripping, compact storytelling. However, the film’s straight-to-Netflix release diminishes its theatrical potential, a missed opportunity given the director’s proven flair for suspenseful, action-packed narratives.
Produced under Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners, Carry-On carries echoes of Spielberg’s stylistic influence, combining edge-of-your-seat action with emotionally driven storytelling. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, the film thrives on its taut direction and engaging action sequences, making it a standout among Netflix’s action catalog.
Carry-On movie review
Set during the busiest day of the year at Los Angeles International Airport, Carry-On capitalizes on its high-stakes premise. The story unfolds on Christmas Eve, blending the holiday rush with the urgency of an unfolding terrorist plot. The film captures the frenetic energy of LAX, transforming it into a labyrinth of danger and suspense.
From the screening checkpoints to the bustling tarmac, Collet-Serra uses the airport’s sprawling layout to create an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension. The setting becomes a character in itself, amplifying the film’s stakes and immersing viewers in its world.
Carry-On – Official Trailer Netflix
The first act of Carry-On struggles to find its footing. Protagonist Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) is introduced as a TSA agent trying to climb the ranks to support his pregnant girlfriend, Nina (Sofia Carson). While these personal stakes aim to ground Ethan’s character, the execution feels clichéd and uninspired.
The chemistry between Egerton and Carson is lackluster, and their relationship lacks depth, making it difficult to invest in their emotional connection. Dialogue exchanges are stilted, and the narrative setup feels rushed, relying on tired tropes to establish Ethan’s motivations.
The story kicks into high gear when Ethan unwittingly becomes the central figure in a terrorist’s plan. A mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) coerces Ethan into allowing a carry-on bag containing a nerve agent, Novichok, to pass through security. If Ethan refuses or alerts anyone, his girlfriend will be killed.
This setup mirrors the premise of Collet-Serra’s Non-Stop, with a protagonist thrust into a morally compromising situation under constant surveillance. Theo Rossi’s nameless watcher adds another layer of menace, observing Ethan’s every move to ensure compliance.
Parallel to Ethan’s ordeal, LAPD detective Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler) investigates an encrypted audio recording that hints at the plot unfolding at LAX. As the two storylines converge, the tension escalates, culminating in a thrilling final act.
Collet-Serra’s direction elevates Carry-On beyond its conventional screenplay. The film brims with kinetic energy, with the camera constantly in motion to reflect the chaos and urgency of the narrative.
One standout sequence involves a confrontation inside a moving car, where the camera fluidly transitions between perspectives, creating a sense of disorientation and danger. The use of Wham!’s Last Christmas during this intense scene adds a darkly humorous contrast, showcasing Collet-Serra’s knack for balancing action with a touch of irreverence.
The film’s climax on the airport tarmac and aboard a plane highlights Collet-Serra’s ability to craft visually striking and suspenseful set pieces. The pacing is relentless, and the editing by Fred Raskin and Krisztian Majdik ensures the action remains coherent and impactful.
Taron Egerton delivers a compelling performance as Ethan, capturing the character’s escalating paranoia and desperation. As a TSA agent forced to navigate an impossible situation, Egerton embodies the physical and emotional toll of his predicament.
Ethan’s transformation from a rule-following employee to a determined hero is convincing, even if the script doesn’t fully explore his inner conflict. Egerton shines in the film’s action sequences, with his physicality adding authenticity to Ethan’s frantic attempts to outsmart the antagonist.
Danielle Deadwyler brings charisma and determination to her role as Detective Elena Cole. Her character’s relentless pursuit of the truth adds a sense of urgency to the parallel investigation storyline.
Deadwyler’s chemistry with Egerton stands out once their characters join forces. Her nuanced portrayal contrasts sharply with her more restrained role in The Piano Lesson, showcasing her versatility as an actor.
Jason Bateman delivers a chilling performance as the unnamed traveler. Initially shrouded in mystery, his character’s calm demeanor and ruthless actions make him a formidable antagonist.
Bateman’s understated approach to the role adds an air of unpredictability, heightening the tension in his interactions with Egerton. While the film leaves his motivations and backstory underexplored, his presence looms large throughout the narrative.
While Carry-On excels in its direction and performances, the screenplay by T.J. Fixman falters in several areas. The romantic subplot between Ethan and Nina feels like an afterthought, lacking the emotional weight necessary to drive Ethan’s decisions.
Additionally, the geopolitical implications of the terrorist plot are hinted at but never fully developed. The film prioritizes action over exposition, which keeps the pacing brisk but leaves certain narrative threads unresolved.
Carry-On feels like a love letter to 1990s action thrillers, with its straightforward premise and high-stakes tension. It evokes comparisons to films like Die Hard and The Terminal, blending holiday cheer with explosive action.
Collet-Serra’s stylistic flourishes and attention to detail ensure the film stands out in a crowded genre, even if it doesn’t reach the iconic status of its inspirations.
Summary
Carry-On may not be groundbreaking, but it’s a testament to Jaume Collet-Serra’s skill as a filmmaker. By focusing on character-driven action and dynamic visuals, he delivers a thoroughly entertaining thriller that harkens back to the golden age of mid-budget cinema.
While the film’s weaknesses lie in its underdeveloped subplots and uneven first act, its strengths far outweigh its flaws. With standout performances from Taron Egerton and Danielle Deadwyler and Collet-Serra’s masterful direction, Carry-On is a must-watch for fans of high-octane action.
In a world dominated by massive blockbusters and algorithm-driven content, Carry-On serves as a reminder of the power of well-crafted, mid-budget storytelling. Whether you watch it on the big screen or Netflix, it’s a thrilling ride worth taking.
Top Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Carry-On doesn’t aspire to be too much more than good, trashy, yuletide fun, but it consistently over-delivers on that front – David Ehrlich, indieWire
Watching Carry-On on Netflix, you may actually take some pleasure in its preposterousness, which leaves ample room to provide sarcastic commentary from the family couch – Peter Debruge, Variety
A good cast and Collet-Serra’s energetic staging elevate the kind of straight-down-the-middle entertainment Hollywood has mostly, sadly stopped bankrolling. It’s not quite Die Hard, but close enough – A.A. Dowd, IGN Movies
The script by T.J. Fixman hinges on such a smart concept that it elevates so much of “Carry-On” over its bumpy patches – Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com
“Carry-On” is a decent little thriller that delivers enough action and suspense to keep folks engaged for two hours – Gary M. Kramer, Salon.com
Top Movie Ratings
| IMDb | 6.7/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 88% |
| Screen Rant | 5/10 |
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