Carry-On ★★★

Released: 13 December 2024

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra



Starring: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Dean Rossi, Theo Rossi, Logan Marshall-Green

For those looking for a break from the usual cheesy Netflix festive fare (back in your tinsel lined box please, Lindsay Lohan and Chad Michael Murray), director Jaume Collet-Serra (Non-Stop and The Commuter) is bringing yet another of their one-location thrillers to the streaming service – but this time sans Liam Neeson. Clearly borrowing numerous elements – including pretty much the main premise – from Die Hard 2, this latest festive flick won’t necessarily top your must-watch classic Christmas list for years to come, but it’s a solid entry for those looking for an action-packed alternative this holiday season. Perhaps one to avoid if you’re heading to the airport though!



Disillusioned TSA agent Ethan Kopek’s (Taron Egerton) busy Christmas Eve shift quickly turns into an anxiety-inducing cat and mouse chase, as he’s blackmailed into letting a potentially explosive package through airport security by a mysterious traveller (Jason Bateman). Facing the ultimatum “one bag for one life”, with his pregnant girlfriend (Sofia Carson) under threat, Ethan is forced to choose between his future family and the safety of certain passengers – until he attempts to apprehend the threat.

Carry-On often feels like a box ticking exercise, with Collet-Serra hellbent on packing in all the signature elements of an action thriller. There’s a clear race against time with high stakes consequences, multiple chases and shoot-outs, twists and turns a-plenty and a shady organisation pulling the strings. While the central cat-and-mouse game – along with the often outlandish but entertaining developments – certainly keep you gripped, it’s undoubtedly one of those films in which you can pretty much guess what’s coming around the corner. But despite this, you’ll repeatedly find yourself screaming at the screen over Ethan’s actions and downright awful decision-making as he repeatedly tries to outsmart the mysterious caller.

The main narrative thread is intriguing enough, with a captivating villainous performance from Jason Bateman (who clearly revels in the against type roles, à la Ozark) proving the main hook and often carrying the film. It is excellent to see Egerton return to an almost action role following Kingsman, however channelling a little less John McClane archetypal action hero, more unfulfilled millennial everyman here. Disappointingly it does take awhile for the action to kick into gear, but Egerton more than rises to the challenge, proving that we really should have seen him in way more leading roles by now. It’s also great to see the charismatic Breaking Bad star Dean Rossi back on screen, with a small but endearing role as Ethan’s TSA boss.

However, the weak link here is the subplot involving Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler), whose investigation into a suspicious arson attack uncovers links to nerve gas, leading her to partner with Agent Alcott (Logan Marshall-Green). Anyone who has watched similar fare can see what’s coming a mile off. Furthermore, Cole’s eventual uncovering of the organisation behind the attack is also pretty underwhelming. Thankfully the action – including a surprisingly impressive fight set amidst a car on a busy highway and the climactic set piece – helps elevate a predictable script from T.J. Fixman.

While Carry-On tries way too hard to replicate the winning elements of Die Hard 2 – often slipping into the predictable tropes of the genre in the process – thankfully Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton are on board to help save the day with their tense chemistry and admirable performances. Just make sure you buckle up for a somewhat bumpy ride!