This year for Christmas I decided to do 28 reviews of Christmas movies (new and old) for the 28 days leading up to Christmas Day. The movie Carry-On is the eighteenth Christmas film of this little end-of-year event. If you want to suggest a film, I'll let you do so in the comments. Find previous films in clicking here.
???? Carry-On ???? // By Jaume Collet-Serra. Starring Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman and Sofia Carson.
In the landscape of action films available for streaming, Carry-Onthe latest production from Netflix, stands out as an effective and intense thriller. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, this film combines breathtaking suspense and fast-paced action, immersing the viewer in a distressing intrigue taking place in the heart of an airport. Although the film does not fundamentally innovate the genre, it offers an entertaining and memorable experience, ideal for thrill-seekers. From the first scenes, Carry-On creates a heavy and nervous atmosphere. The viewer is quickly trapped in the plot, where Ethan Kopek, a young security agent played by Taron Egerton, finds himself facing an unbearable moral dilemma.
A young air security agent must face blackmail from a mysterious passenger who threatens to smuggle a dangerous package onto a plane on Christmas Eve…
Forced to obey the orders of a mysterious individual (Jason Bateman), he must allow the passage of a suspicious package or risk endangering the life of his pregnant companion. This starting point sets the tone: every decision, every hesitation can lead to tragic consequences. One of the film's great strengths is its ability to maintain constant suspense. The staging, deliberately sober, relies on tight shots and clever use of confined spaces to reinforce the feeling of claustrophobia. The airport becomes a character in its own right, an arena where the stakes rise crescendo as the story progresses. On a narrative level, Carry-On builds on classic thriller foundations.
There are familiar elements: a trapped hero, a charismatic antagonist, and a closed setting which accentuates the tension. Although the scenario does not escape certain clichés, it manages to avoid the pitfall of predictability by maintaining an element of mystery until the end. However, a few script liberties may raise the eyebrows of attentive spectators. The ease with which criminals take control of airport infrastructure sometimes lacks credibility. However, these inconsistencies do not detract from the overall pleasure, especially if you agree to suspend your disbelief to let yourself be carried away by the story. In the lead role, Taron Egerton delivers a contrasting performance. Known for his charisma and intensity in productions like Kingsman or Blackbirdthe actor seems less invested here.
His interpretation of Ethan Kopek, a character under overwhelming psychological pressure, lacks nuance. Where one would expect to see a man overwhelmed by anguish and moral dilemma, Egerton remains surprisingly neutral, almost detached. In comparison, Jason Bateman excels in the role of the antagonist. With his subtle acting and his cold gaze, he embodies an implacable adversary, bringing welcome depth to a character who could easily have fallen into caricature. Sofia Carson, in a supporting role, also manages to stand out, bringing a touch of humanity and vulnerability to the plot. The staging by Jaume Collet-Serra follows a minimalist and functional approach. The director relies on proven techniques to create palpable tension, without seeking to revolutionize the genre.
The action sequences are well executed, and the use of the confined space of the airport adds an interesting dynamic to the confrontation scenes. However, this visual sobriety could disappoint those who were hoping for moments of cinematic bravura or striking visual ideas. Here, everything is at the service of the story, and if this approach guarantees a sustained pace, it also limits the originality of the film. Despite its flaws, Carry-On stands out as a quality thriller, driven by a tense storyline and effective direction. The film does not claim to be a revolutionary work, but it fulfills its role of entertainment perfectly. Fans of nervous thrillers will find what they are looking for, especially thanks to the tension that never weakens.
What distinguishes Carry-Onit is its ability to immerse the viewer in a situation where moral choices are at the heart of the plot. Ethan Kopek's dilemma raises interesting questions about personal sacrifice and the limits of obedience in the face of threat. This subtext adds appreciable depth to a film which could have been content to chain together action scenes. It's hard not to think of classics like Die Hard looking Carry-On. Although Collet-Serra's film is clearly inspired by these cult works, it does not reach their level of excellence. Where Die Hard shone with its humor, charismatic heroism and memorable action sequences, Carry-On remains more modest in its ambitions.
However, this modesty sometimes works in his favor. By focusing on a tight plot and controlled suspense, the film avoids the unnecessary lengths and excesses that sometimes plague modern blockbusters. This choice of sobriety, although imperfect, allows Carry-On to maintain a certain authenticity. In summary, Carry-On isn't the film of the year, but it ticks all the boxes for an effective and entertaining thriller. With its two hours of tension and its convincing cast, it stands out as an ideal option for a hassle-free movie night. It's not a revolution, but a guaranteed good time for fans of the genre. As the holidays approach, the film also finds its place as seasonal entertainment, perfect to accompany a quiet evening.
Note : 7/10. In short, a tense and gripping holiday thriller. However, I would have liked the Christmas holidays to be more embodied. Whether for its gripping plot, its solid performances (notably that of Bateman) or simply for its gripping atmosphere, Carry-On deserves to be given a chance. So, for those looking for an effective thriller to watch over the Christmas holidays, Carry-On could well be the surprise that will make your evening effective.
Released on December 13, 2024 directly on Netflix
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