Carry On: A Thrilling New Addition to Holiday Action Movies

Every cinematic season brings its share of memorable movies, but there’s something deeply satisfying when a film unexpectedly merges high-stakes action with a festive holiday setting. Netflix’s upcoming release, Carry On, delivers just that. Premiering on December 13th, this adrenaline-filled, suspense-packed thriller is quickly being pegged as the next yuletide action favorite. With its simple yet cleverly executed premise, Carry On blends tense moments, captivating characters, and nostalgic storytelling into a gripping watch. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding suspense or holiday-themed action films, Carry On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, is a must-watch this season.

Let’s explore why Carry On is poised to carve out its place amongst Christmas action classics, bringing a refreshing take to the genre and potentially sharing a mantle with the beloved Die Hard.

An Intriguing Plot That Hooks You Instantly

At its core, Carry On is suspense in its purest form. The story revolves around TSA officer Ethan Kopek, played by Taron Egerton, who gets entangled in a high-stakes scheme at Los Angeles International Airport on Christmas Eve. Tasked by a cold, malicious villain (portrayed masterfully by Jason Bateman), Ethan must allow a particular black suitcase to bypass airport security. The stakes couldn’t be higher—a single misstep could cost the life of his pregnant girlfriend, Nora (played by Sofia Carson).

The plot thrives on simplicity, ensuring that every layer of tension is grounded in reality rather than convoluted gimmicks. This is storytelling at its best—clear, precise, and gripping. While the tropes feel familiar, the execution makes it fresh and thrilling, keeping audiences riveted throughout.

Cleverly Crafted Suspense and Relatable Stakes

Films like Carry On succeed not by being flashy but by emphasizing their human elements. Ethan is not a trained super-spy or a high-level operative. He’s an ordinary TSA officer—a regular guy with dreams, ambitions, and frustrations like anyone else. This ordinariness makes his predicament even more harrowing.

Unlike bombastic action films that rely on larger-than-life stunts, Carry On carefully builds its suspense through tightly woven dialogue, high-stakes moral dilemmas, and Ethan’s everyman struggle against impossible odds. Ethan’s connection to the mysterious antagonist via Bluetooth adds a modern twist to the suspense, tightening the metaphorical noose around the hero as events escalate.

Resonance with Classic Action Films

Nostalgia plays a big role in Carry On‘s appeal. Its setup—a hardworking average Joe forced to grapple with a no-escape catastrophe in a confined space—harkens back to the golden age of action films. In many ways, Carry On feels like an homage to classics such as Die Hard, where relatable heroes rise against the odds to save the day.

However, Carry On isn’t a mere replication. Where it stands apart is its restraint. It avoids outlandish action sequences or over-reliance on CGI, instead opting for grounded realism. Jaume Collet-Serra’s direction emphasizes human ingenuity and endurance, a storytelling approach that feels refreshing given the inundation of larger-than-life superhero films in recent years.

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What Makes “Carry On” Stand Out?

Tension Like Clockwork

Jaume Collet-Serra and screenwriter T.J. Fixman craft a narrative that operates like a finely tuned Swiss watch. Transitioning from one suspenseful moment to the next, the movie builds tension in small increments, culminating in big payoffs. Even minor characters contribute to the plot’s momentum—no storyline or figure feels unnecessary.

Notably, a standout sequence shot from inside a car demonstrates how modern cinematography can spur visceral reactions. This scene draws comparisons to Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, proving that intimate, closely choreographed visuals can evoke more excitement than large, over-the-top explosions.

Powerhouse Performances

The cast of Carry-On plays a pivotal role in elevating the film. Taron Egerton shines as Ethan, imbuing the character with a grounded vulnerability. With a mix of determination and frustration, Egerton crafts a relatable protagonist that viewers can root for. His portrayal of a man thrust into unimaginable chaos while yearning for redemption adds depth to the story.

Jason Bateman, on the other hand, flips the script as the villain. His calm, almost gentlemanly delivery of evil commands makes the character chillingly memorable. Bateman demonstrates that sometimes the most effective antagonists are those who weaponize subtlety, giving audiences creeping unease instead of overt malice.

Efficient and Compact Storytelling

With a modest $47 million budget, Carry-On proves that quality does not depend on extravagance. Collet-Serra uses limitations as opportunities to get creative, delivering a film whose smaller scale leads to smarter, more thoughtful filmmaking. As opposed to sprawling, oversized action pieces, this movie maintains focus on its core elements: high-stakes drama, tight pacing, and emotional weight. In doing so, it ensures the audience’s engagement never wavers.

Does “Carry On” Redefine the Christmas Action Genre?

Although Carry-On is positioned as a holiday film, it resists being overshadowed by the “Christmas movie” label. Christmas acts as a backdrop here—its themes of connection, hope, and perseverance subtly accentuate the story rather than overwhelming it.

This balance will likely lead to debates about whether or not Carry-On qualifies as a true Christmas movie, much like the ongoing discussions around Die Hard. Yet, its festive setting certainly allows it to join the conversation while standing out through its unique take on suspense and drama.

A New Wave of “Simple Yet Clever” Storytelling

In a time when streaming platforms are saturated with either overpriced blockbusters or lackluster low-budget films, Carry-On feels like a breath of fresh air. Its combination of high-thrills storytelling, compelling performances, and intentional simplicity makes it a standout. It reminds audiences of a bygone era when movies didn’t need excessive grandeur to be memorable but relied on creative storytelling and sharp execution.

This could mark a promising turn for Netflix originals. Carry-On showcases how clever spins on classic setups, coupled with integrity and attention to detail, can create standout entertainment. Under the right direction and care, small-scale movies like this can become cinematic gems for audiences to return to again and again.

Is Carry-On Worth Your Watch?

Beyond its intriguing premise and stellar performances, Carry-On carries emotional weight alongside its action-packed approach. It raises poignant questions about morality, sacrifice, and courage under pressure. Does one comply with evil to save a loved one, or risk defiance even when the stakes are unimaginably high? The film’s exploration of these dilemmas raises it above your average holiday thriller.

For moviegoers seeking thoughtful yet accessible stories, Carry-On promises an unforgettable ride. Its combination of high-stakes tension, grounded performances, and festive backdrop ensures it has the longevity to become more than just a seasonal favorite—it’s a thriller for the ages.

Final Thoughts: Let “Carry On” Be Your Next Holiday Tradition

As the holiday movie season unfolds, Carry-On offers a refreshing and nostalgia-inducing departure from the usual fare. It captures the essence of classic action while staying true to its contemporary roots, giving audiences the best of both worlds. With Taron Egerton’s relatable portrayal, Jason Bateman’s chilling villainy, and a director unafraid to make bold yet subtle choices, this movie will undoubtedly deliver a memorable experience.

Let Carry-On be your next holiday film adventure—whether you’re drawn in by its suspenseful twists or intrigued by its holiday undertones. One thing is certain: this film is bound to become a household discussion, fitting seamlessly into holiday movie marathons for years to come.