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Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman star in this 2024 Christmas thriller on Netflix but, is it a must-watch like others in the genre are? Egerton stars as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler played by Bateman. Kopek finds out he is soon to become a father as his girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carlson) is pregnant. A last-minute shift switch has him the target of Batman’s character who drops off an earpiece directing him to clear a suitcase as he relays threats to Nora, an airport employee.
Spoilers Ahead
An intense game of cat and mouse ensues leading to Ethan breaking every law imaginable at an airport. Meanwhile, Theo Rossi is closely monitoring as an associate of the Traveler who is not shy about murdering anyone necessary. Entering the fold is Detective Elena Cole played by Danielle Deadwyler, who is caught in the midst of it all.
The night culminates in an intense showdown in the cargo hold of an aircraft which leaves the audience needing to suspend our beliefs to the max. Ethan wheels a luggage loader chasing down a plane beginning take-off sequences. However, the most believable chain of events turns out to be the motive of an American corporation creating a false flag event killing one of their own to pass a bill through the government.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra is in her element as there are some intense and well-shot sequences throughout the airport. While the overall action is relatively minimal, there are some tender moments between Carlson and Egerton that add a nice human touch to this film. Jason Bateman is perhaps, the standout star as he plays the role of a calm psychopath a little too well. If you go in expecting this to rival films such as Die Hard in terms of shootouts and action, you may be a little disappointed. The climax of the film doesn’t have our hero and antagonist coming to blows and it ends rather quickly and no, nobody falls from a tower or plane.
Final Thoughts
While Carry On may not be an immediate Holiday rewatch tradition, it does give us a nice entry into the Christmas thriller category. The film is full of tense sequences, proper character motivation, and solid acting, this film should be viewed as I believe it will find the right audience. It gives us a break from the stress of shopping, and for the dads out there who refuse to watch Hallmark, you can please them with this one. Watch it only on Netflix now!
7/10 Christmas Villains
