It is available on Netflix the movie Carry-Ondirected by Jaume Collet-Serraa breathtaking action-thriller that uses a simple but effective premise to build a constant tension on which the dualism of the story develops, oscillating between hope and imminent danger. With Taron Egerton in the protagonist role, Ethan Kopeke Jason Batemanthe film proves to be an engaging experience, full of suspense and emotional drama.
Plot and tension
Set in the controlled chaos of Los Angeles’ giant airport, LAX, the film begins with a festive atmosphere but soon turns into a race against time filled with tension and mystery. Carry-on tells of a Christmas Eve that becomes a nightmare for Ethan (Taron Egerton), a young security agent with unfulfilled aspirations, blackmailed by a mysterious traveler. The man is immediately put under pressure to allow a trolley to pass through security checks. It contains a lethal chemical bomb that could kill hundreds of people in a few seconds and will be detonated remotely as soon as the Washington-bound plane takes off. The young guard thus finds himself involved in a blackmail that threatens not only his career but also his safety and that of others. The protagonist will find himself forced to make difficult decisions, clashing with a mysterious man who will do anything to achieve his goal: loading the suitcase containing a lethal weapon onto the plane. Will young Ethan be able to stop him?
Between ethics and responsibility
Carry-on it is a compelling film precisely because of its ability to keep the audience glued to their seats, waiting to find out if the guard will give in to the threat or will be able to stop the plan. The narrative is tight, with a pace that gives no respite. From the introduction of the explosive suitcase to the crescendo of tension that culminates in the final minutes, the film manages to keep the viewer in suspense. The premise – an ordinary man forced to become a cog in a criminal plan – stands on solid ground thanks to a screenplay that deftly balances action with psychological introspection. The themes of ethics and responsibility are addressed effectively, placing the protagonist faced with a series of moral dilemmas that force him to confront his own principles. The internal conflict of Ethan who, on the one hand, tries to keep his job and on the other finds himself having to deal with his conscience, is well conveyed by the pace of the film, which alternates moments of apparent calm with rapid twists . The tense scenes are well constructed, also thanks to the location which, alone, creates a claustrophobic atmosphere.
The airport as a stage
Jaume Collet-Serra once again demonstrates his extraordinary ability to transform limited settings into highly dynamic scenarios. The airport, with its labyrinthine corridors, crowded check-ins and hidden service areas, becomes a real character in the film. The direction uses innovative shots and fluid camera movements to exploit every corner of LAX, creating a sense of claustrophobia and urgency that amplifies the narrative tension.
The flawed hero vs a memorable villain
Taron Egerton offers a convincing performance, authentically representing the moral dilemma and fear that comes from the situation in which he finds himself. His is a character trapped not only in the grip of blackmail, but also in his own internal conflicts. He’s not a traditional action hero, but an ordinary person who finds himself having to make extraordinary choices in desperate circumstances. And it is precisely this vulnerability that makes the character effective and easily recognizable for the public.
One of the film’s most welcome surprises is Jason Batemanwho abandons his usual comedic roles to embody a ruthless and charming antagonist. His nameless killer is as cold as he is calculating, capable of alternating an almost disarming courtesy with implacable violence. Bateman he doesn’t play a “traditional” villain: his character is a master of manipulation, with a disturbing charisma that makes him irresistible on screen. This performance is one of the film’s strengths, adding depth to a character who in other hands might have been two-dimensional.
A moral and adrenaline-filled thriller
One of the most interesting aspects of Carry-On is its central theme: the weight of moral choices. Ethan finds himself faced with an impossible dilemma: put hundreds of lives at risk or sacrifice the woman he loves and the unborn child. This internal conflict elevates the film above the simple action thriller, transforming it into a reflection on ethics and human resilience in extreme situations. If there is one criticism to be made, it is that some secondary characters – such as Nora, played by Sofia Carson – do not receive enough space to be fully developed. Their function in the story is clear, but there is a lack of greater emotional depth that could have further enriched the film.
Carry-On is a thriller that combines action, thrills and a good cast to create an intense cinematic experience. Taron Egerton proves once again to be a charismatic and multifaceted protagonist, while Jason Bateman delivers a career-redefining performance. Thanks to the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra and its ability to exploit ordinary settings and situations to tell extraordinary stories, the film stands out as one of the best Netflix thrillers of the year.
The trailer of Carry-on
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