The “forced-to-follow-orders-from-a-menacing-voice” genre feels tailor-made for Netflix. It’s as fitting a match as a Lindsay Lohan Christmas rom-com, genres that thrive on simplicity yet keep viewers hooked. All you really need is a menacing voice and a smart but broken protagonist. Carry-On is the latest and competent addition to this genre, joining the ranks of Phone Booth, The Call, Collateral, and the fantastic Locke starring Tom Hardy. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who’s no stranger to solid action-thrillers (Unknown, Non-Stop, The Commuter), the film features a reliable cast, with Jason Bateman standing out as the villain. Add a Christmas backdrop, Carry-On practically greenlit itself for Netflix
The story traps us in the world’s worst place, LAX airport security checkpoint, as it follows Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA agent coerced by a mysterious traveler (Bateman) into letting a dangerous package slip through. With his loved ones’ safety on the line, Ethan is drawn into a deadly game.
What makes Carry-On work is its ability to nail two key elements: a charismatic and clever protagonist, and a genuinely menacing villain whose threats feel real. Most of the action unfolds within the confines of LAX security, where Ethan and Bateman’s unseen antagonist engage in a battle of wits via phone. The tension remains high as their deadly chess match plays out, keeping the audience hooked.
Of course, this is the kind of movie where you’re better off not overthinking things. Logic takes a backseat, like why the TSA officer seated mere inches from Ethan doesn’t overhear anything suspicious. But if you can suspend disbelief and just roll with it, the film delivers the thrills it promises.
The cracks start to show in the second half, when the action moves beyond the security screening area. While it’s common for this genre to shift locations for a climax, Carry-On overstays its welcome outside its main location. The physical face-off between the leads happens too soon, and the movie loses some of the taut suspense that defined its first half.
That said, the supporting cast helps elevate even the weaker subplots, like the somewhat unnecessary Homeland Security thread. The movie remains harmless fun overall, aside from one poorly executed car crash sequence with glaringly bad CGI that drags on for an excruciating 30 seconds.
Carry-On isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s an enjoyable Christmas-season Netflix watch. With its tense setup, a sharp lead performance from Egerton, and a perfectly cast Bateman as the villain, it delivers enough thrills to keep you entertained. Just don’t think too hard, and you’ll have a great time.
- 1Dune: Part Two
- 2Conclave
- 3Better Man
- 4The Substance
- 5Challengers
- 65Carry-On#65 of 110
- Where to watch
Netflix- Where to watch
- Netflix
Play trailer
- Original title
- Carry-On
- Director
- Jaume Collet-Serra
- Cast
- Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Theo Rossi, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls
- Rated
- PG-13
- Screenwriter
- Joel Venti, T.J. Fixman, Eric Yamamoto
- Composer
- Lorne Balfe
- Cinematography
- Lyle Vincent, Timothy A. Burton
- Editor
- Elliot Greenberg, Krisztian Majdik, Fred Raskin
- Country
- Language
- English
- Budget
- $47 million