Flying to Los Angeles for the holidays, navigating the chaotic buzz of crowded airports and TSA lines, felt uncannily similar to the backdrop of Netflix’s Carry On. Perfectly timed for the season, so I picked this action-packed thriller for an in-flight escape, which was prominently featured on the airline’s must-watch entertainment list. Much like the holiday travel rush, the film is a whirlwind of tension, suspense, and nail-biting decisions, immediately drawing me into its gripping story.
The film takes one of the most classic action thriller formulas—the “Die Hard on a Christmas” formula—and infuses it with just enough modern flair to make for a gripping and entertaining ride. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the film stars Taron Egerton as TSA agent Ethan Kopek alongside Jason Bateman in a surprising turn as the villain, “The Traveler.” While Carry On may not reinvent the wheel, it delivers exactly what viewers expect from a holiday action film: suspenseful plot twists, engaging performances, and an adrenaline-fueled narrative perfect for popcorn entertainment.
The Plot
Set on Christmas Eve at a bustling airport, the film plunges Egerton’s Ethan Kopek into a high-stakes moral dilemma. A struggling TSA agent who failed at becoming a cop, Ethan faces a terrifying ultimatum when Bateman’s mysterious villain blackmails him into sneaking a dangerous package past airport security. The twist? This seemingly simple act could cost hundreds of lives, as the contents of the package are revealed to hold deadly potential. Yet, failure to comply would mean certain death for Ethan’s pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson).
The plot thrives on tension, forcing Ethan to wrestle with impossible “what would you do?” questions. Much like the trolley problem of philosophical fame, his actions pit personal loyalty against the greater good, grounding the heart-pounding action in ethical stakes that keep viewers invested.
While the narrative leans on some predictable thriller tropes—a lone hero navigating impossible odds—it balances these with moments of raw emotion, occasional humor, and satisfying action sequences. The pacing is brisk, though it does lose steam slightly in the second act. Ultimately, fans of this genre won’t mind suspending a bit of disbelief for the sake of the explosive climax.
Taron Egerton Shines as Ethan Kopek
Egerton, best known as Eggsy from the Kingsman franchise, once again proves his knack for playing the everyman-turned-hero. While Eggsy is brash, confident, and full of swagger, he portrays a more subdued, vulnerable character here. Ethan is an ordinary guy placed in extraordinary circumstances, and Egerton nails the portrayal with just the right balance of fear, determination, and charisma. There are shades of Eggsy in Ethan’s resourcefulness and ability to think on his feet, but this role is decidedly more grounded—a showcase of Egerton’s versatile range.
Jason Bateman’s Menacing Traveler
Known primarily for his comedic and dramatic roles (Ozark, Arrested Development), Bateman is delightfully menacing in Carry On. His calm demeanor and precise delivery lend credibility to a character who might have otherwise felt over-the-top. He knows exactly how to keep the stakes high, orchestrating chaos from the shadows while maintaining just enough mystery about his motives to keep viewers engaged.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast bolsters the film effectively, with standout performances from Danielle Deadwyler as Detective Elena Cole, whose dogged pursuit of the truth adds a layer of urgency to the film. Sofia Carson, unfortunately, is underutilized as Ethan’s girlfriend Nora, and her character feels more like a plot device than a fully developed role. Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) and Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy) round out the ensemble with reliable performances that deepen the film’s texture.
Comparisons to Die Hard
It’s impossible to ignore Carry On’s parallels to Die Hard. Both films are set during the Christmas season, pit an everyday hero against improbable odds, and use a single-location setup to intensify the action. However, where John McClane’s charisma and wisecracks defined Die Hard, Ethan Kopek’s story is more introspective and emotional. The film also leans more into the emotional weight of moral gray areas, while Die Hard was more straightforward in its “good versus evil” stakes.
Carry On also has a touch of Die Hard 2, thanks to its airport setting and the logistics of hijacking. But where *Die Hard* balanced its implausibilities with clever execution, Carry On occasionally stumbles into eye-rolling moments—particularly when it seems to forget how tight airport security truly is in a post-9/11 world. Despite this, the film recreates much of the nail-biting tension and holiday atmosphere that made Die Hard a Christmas classic, making it a worthy successor, if not quite equal.
Why You Should Watch Carry On
Fans of Taron Egerton will relish seeing him back in action, and his layered performance is reason enough to give this film a try. For fans of Jason Bateman, his villainous turn is a refreshing and compelling departure from his usual roles. And for thrill-seekers or nostalgic action-movie lovers, Carry On ticks all the right boxes.
The film’s premise—a moral dilemma wrapped in life-or-death stakes—is gripping, and the action sequences are solid, particularly a standout chase scene in the luggage area. Its Christmas backdrop adds a unique flavor, blending festive cheer with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Sure, there are plot holes and moments that require suspending logic, but isn’t that half the fun of action thrillers?
Ultimately, Carry On is an enjoyable, modern callback to the single-location thrillers of the 1990s. It may not surpass classics like Die Hard, but it does recapture the spirit of high-stakes holiday action, making it a worthy contender for your movie night. With a stellar cast, heart-pounding tension, and just enough festive flair, Carry On is well worth boarding.
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. Her literary works include romantic drama novels—Four Seasons, The Last Snowfall, and Gnight Sara / ‘Night Heck. With her ability to tell stories that linger long after the last word, Justine leaves a mark not only in the world of branding but also in the hearts of her readers.
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