“Carry-On” is a 2024 thriller/action film released on December 13th 2024, featured on Netflix. It was written by T.J. Fixman and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The movie stars Taron Egerton as the main character, Ethan Kopek; Jason Bateman as the “Traveler”; and Sofia Carson as Nora Parisi, Ethan’s wife.
The plot revolves around a young TSA agent, Ethan Kopek, who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler into letting a dangerous package bypass security and board a Christmas Eve flight.
This film is a masterclass in suspense and action, though it’s best enjoyed if you can overlook the plot holes. The movie’s acting is riveting and has intense scenes; specifically, two characters engage in a fight inside the car, and viewers watch intently to see what will happen next.
The camera work was smooth, effectively following the characters throughout the airport. However, there are a few moments that stretch the credibility of the film, such as a cop driving herself to LAX airport in a civilian vehicle she hijacked, and Ethan Kopeck allowing a bomb-filled bag to pass through an X-ray scanner without anyone noticing, as well as a friend getting fired abruptly, among other things.
Despite the flaws in the movie, Carry-On is a chilling thriller perfect for an action movie night. Having watched it myself several times over the holiday, I can confidently say it’s a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience and would strongly recommend adding it to your list.
