"Carry-On" is a trending Christmas thriller that recently released on Netflix. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, it stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, Sofia Carson as Nora Parisi, and Jason Bateman as the perpetrator. This perfect, thrilling Christmas movie takes the audience on an adventure.
"Carry-On" is about a Transportation Security Administration agent who is blackmailed by a mysterious passenger. This mysterious passenger threatens to murder his girlfriend Nora to smuggle a dangerous package through security check and onto the plane on Christmas Eve.
Highs
One high is Egerton's exciting and engaging performance as Ethan. His character shows emotion and how self-conflicted he is about his career. He is savvy and knowledgeable but fears failure. However, when he and his girlfriend are threatened, his instincts kick in, showing his bravery and selflessness.
The suspenseful portrayal of the film keeps the audience engaged. The perpetrator's threats create an intense dynamic that keeps the audience on their feet. The thrill of removing the threatening weapon from a plane also causes tension throughout the film.
Moreover, Bateman's performance as the perpetrator is impressive, considering his evil and threatening character. He perfectly portrays the emotionless character and is a perfect villain for this thriller. The action scenes between him and Egerton are intense and intriguing, giving the movie a sense of action during the fight scenes.
Finally, the setting of Christmas Eve is unique, considering it is a thrilling holiday movie. The film has several plot twists that keep the audience intrigued. The setting of the airport is also different from other thriller movies involving a threat.
Lows
One low of the film is that it can be confusing at times due to the lack of background knowledge of the perpetrator. The real reason behind threatening to kill over a hundred people on the plane remains unknown. The motive behind this dangerous weapon is unknown, and so is the actual person behind the operation. The man in charge is never shown, which can leave the audience feeling lost. The other people involved in the operation can also be confusing to the audience because their motives are not always clear.
The character development of Ethan and his girlfriend Nora is also lacking. Their relationship is rocky throughout the film, and Nora does not trust Ethan, which frustrates viewers. The ending is unexpected because it is missing an element of Ethan’s future career.
Verdict
"Carry-On" is a perfect Christmas thriller that keeps the audience in suspense. It includes life and death decisions and is full of plot twists and action scenes.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
