Movie Review: Carry-On
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, and Danielle Brooks
Genre: Thriller
Carry-On is a gripping thriller that leverages its high-stakes narrative and strong performances to create an edge-of-your-seat experience. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his mastery of tension-building in films like Non-Stop and The Shallows, the movie explores the limits of morality under duress while delivering a tightly constructed, fast-paced story.
Plot Overview
The story begins during a bustling holiday season at a major airport. Ethan Koontz (Taron Egerton), a newly promoted TSA agent, finds his skills put to the ultimate test when he’s unwittingly dragged into a deadly game. A mysterious passenger (Jason Bateman) manipulates Ethan into bypassing security for a package, using threats against Ethan’s family as leverage.
As Ethan attempts to navigate the ethical dilemmas and escalating stakes, he uncovers a much larger conspiracy involving high-profile criminals, corrupt officials, and an impending terrorist attack. The plot unfolds in near real-time, heightening the urgency as Ethan races to prevent disaster while trying to protect his loved ones. The airport, with its labyrinthine structure and diverse passengers, becomes both a setting and a character, reflecting the chaos and pressure Ethan faces.
Performances
Taron Egerton: Egerton shines as Ethan Koontz, delivering a performance that is equal parts vulnerable and determined. His portrayal captures the internal struggle of an everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, balancing fear and resourcefulness with authenticity. Egerton’s nuanced acting grounds the film, making the audience empathize with his impossible choices.
Jason Bateman: As the enigmatic and chilling antagonist, Bateman showcases his ability to shift from likable to menacing in a heartbeat. His calm, calculating demeanor adds layers of tension, making him a memorable villain.
Sofia Carson: Playing Ethan’s supportive yet suspicious girlfriend, Carson brings emotional depth to the story. While her role is limited, her chemistry with Egerton adds a personal dimension that complements the high-stakes action.
Danielle Brooks: As Ethan’s mentor at the TSA, Brooks provides moments of levity and moral guidance, serving as a grounding force amidst the chaos. Her performance is both relatable and impactful, though her character could have been more prominently featured.
Direction and Writing
Jaume Collet-Serra expertly crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere, utilizing the confined and bustling environment of the airport to its fullest potential. The cinematography employs tight, kinetic shots to emphasize the tension, while wide-angle views of the airport’s sprawling terminals create a sense of scope and scale.
The screenplay blends suspense with character-driven storytelling, exploring themes of morality, trust, and survival. Ethan’s journey is as much about confronting his own fears and limitations as it is about stopping a catastrophe. While the plot occasionally leans on familiar thriller tropes, the film’s execution is sharp enough to keep it engaging.
Strengths
- High Stakes and Tension: The film excels at maintaining a breakneck pace and an ever-present sense of danger.
- Strong Performances: Egerton and Bateman anchor the film with compelling, layered portrayals.
- Atmospheric Setting: The airport environment is used creatively, adding to the film’s tension and unpredictability.
- Themes of Morality: The ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist add depth to the otherwise action-oriented plot.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Moments: Some plot twists can be anticipated, especially for seasoned thriller fans.
- Underutilized Supporting Characters: While the main cast shines, several supporting roles feel underdeveloped.
- Rushed Climax: The resolution, while satisfying, could have benefited from more buildup to fully realize its emotional impact.
Action and Suspense
The action sequences are tightly choreographed, with a mix of hand-to-hand combat, chase scenes, and tense standoffs. One standout moment involves Ethan navigating a crowded baggage handling area while being pursued, using his knowledge of the airport’s layout to outsmart his adversaries.
The suspense is palpable throughout, with the film employing ticking-clock scenarios and moral quandaries to keep the audience engaged. The interplay between Bateman’s villain and Egerton’s hero is particularly effective, as their cat-and-mouse dynamic escalates to a thrilling conclusion.
Themes and Emotional Core
At its heart, Carry-On is a story about resilience and the cost of doing what’s right. Ethan’s journey reflects the struggle between self-preservation and the greater good, forcing him to make sacrifices that test his character. The film also examines the vulnerabilities of modern security systems, raising questions about trust and accountability in high-stress environments.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Carry-On for its suspenseful storytelling and standout performances, particularly from Egerton and Bateman. Some have noted the film’s reliance on genre conventions but have also highlighted its execution as a redeeming factor. Fans of Collet-Serra’s previous work will find much to enjoy here, as the director once again proves his ability to elevate familiar premises with style and precision.
Conclusion
Carry-On is a taut, well-crafted thriller that delivers both adrenaline-pumping action and thought-provoking themes. While it may not break new ground in the genre, its strong performances, atmospheric setting, and relentless pacing make it a thoroughly entertaining ride. Taron Egerton’s portrayal of an ordinary man pushed to extraordinary limits is both relatable and inspiring, solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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