Carry-On (2024), the latest action-thriller released by Netflix, is one of those films that had audiences intrigued the moment it was announced. With a unique premise, a solid cast led by Taron Egerton, and a production backed by Amblin Entertainment, expectations were sky-high—no pun intended. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (The Shallows, Black Adam, Non-Stop), Carry-On promised a tense, claustrophobic experience set almost entirely on a commercial flight during Christmas Eve.
The result? A slick, fast-paced thriller with enough suspense and surprise to keep viewers strapped in till the very end.Carry-On (2024) While not without its flaws, Carry-On proves to be a worthy addition to the action genre, and it manages to put a fresh spin on the “ticking time bomb on a plane” trope we’ve seen before. But what truly makes it stand out is its grounded emotional core, something not always found in movies of this type.
Let’s take a deep dive into Carry-On, analyzing everything from the plot and performances to audience reactions and critical reception.
Storyline and Concept: Terror at 30,000 Feet
At its core, Carry-On is a simple but effective thriller. The story follows TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a man with a complicated past and a strict sense of duty. Carry-On (2024) When he’s blackmailed by a mysterious man (played chillingly by Jason Bateman) to allow a dangerous piece of luggage onto a holiday flight, Ethan finds himself entangled in a deadly game. Carry-On (2024) The entire movie unfolds during a single day, with most of the action taking place on the plane—trapped, tight, and tense.
Carry-On (2024) The plot quickly gains momentum. As Ethan wrestles with guilt, fear, and mounting pressure, passengers around him remain blissfully unaware of the life-threatening cargo in the baggage hold. What starts as a thriller turns into a psychological minefield, with Ethan’s moral compass being tested to its limit. The stakes are clear, the setting is limited, and the tension never lets up.
What’s impressive about Carry-On is that it doesn’t rely on over-the-top action or unnecessary twists. Instead, it embraces its limitations and leans into suspense. The film maintains a real-time feel, which heightens the pressure and keeps viewers on edge. Carry-On (2024) It’s not a high-concept thriller with massive explosions or wild stunts—it’s grounded, methodical, and increasingly intense.
The concept is executed with surprising finesse. While the idea of a bomb or deadly cargo on a plane isn’t new, the moral dilemma and slow-burning character drama add something deeper. It’s less about saving the day with heroics and more about surviving the day with your conscience intact.
Performances and Characters: Taron Egerton Steals the Show
One of the most talked-about aspects of Carry-On is the performance by Taron Egerton. Known for his charismatic roles in Kingsman and Rocketman, Egerton takes a more subdued, emotionally restrained approach here—and it works brilliantly. His portrayal of Ethan Kopek is layered, believable, and at times heartbreaking. He brings a palpable vulnerability to the role, making us care about a character who’s constantly in conflict with himself.
Egerton’s Ethan is not a conventional action hero. He doesn’t shoot his way out of problems. He thinks, hesitates, panics, and sometimes makes the wrong choices. Carry-On (2024) This human element grounds the film and makes the stakes feel much more real. His performance feels lived-in—like we’re watching someone truly out of their depth but trying their best not to drown.
Jason Bateman, stepping far outside his usual comedic comfort zone, delivers a chilling performance as the anonymous blackmailer. He’s calm, calculated, and disturbingly polite, which makes his actions all the more terrifying. Bateman proves here that he’s not just a comedic actor—he can do cold and menacing with ease.
The supporting cast includes Sofia Carson as a sharp and sympathetic flight attendant, and Logan Marshall-Green as a federal air marshal who starts piecing things together. While these characters don’t have as much depth as the leads, they do add to the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere and give Egerton’s character emotional touchpoints along the journey.
Together, the ensemble delivers a strong performance across the board. No one feels like filler. Everyone adds something to the narrative tension and emotional weight.
Direction and Cinematic Style: Tension in Tight Spaces
Director Jaume Collet-Serra is no stranger to thrillers set in confined spaces—his work on Non-Stop (also set on a plane) and The Commuter proves he knows how to build suspense. With Carry-On, he takes those skills and refines them. The direction is tight, confident, and stylish without being flashy.
The camera work deserves special mention. The way the film is shot makes you feel like you’re trapped right there with the characters. Close-ups are used strategically, often lingering on faces just long enough to show cracks forming in composure. Carry-On (2024) Lighting is also used effectively—shifts between harsh fluorescent lights and the warm glow of cabin lamps create an unsettling, unpredictable atmosphere.
The pacing is deliberate. The first act is slow but intentionally so—it builds the foundation for Ethan’s moral struggle. As the plot progresses, the tempo picks up, and by the final 30 minutes, the film barrels forward with unstoppable force. Collet-Serra’s decision to resist unnecessary action sequences and instead focus on dialogue, body language, and silence pays off.
Another strength is the film’s sound design. You hear every creak of the plane, every hushed whisper, and every click of a seatbelt with eerie clarity. Carry-On (2024) The score, composed by Joseph Trapanese, adds layers of anxiety without overpowering the scenes. It’s subtle, sharp, and emotionally resonant.
Critical and Audience Reactions: Divided but Intrigued
When it comes to critical reception, Carry-On has garnered a mix of praise and mild critique. Critics have commended the film’s tight script, strong performances, and mature tone. Egerton’s performance has been widely celebrated, with some calling it his best since Rocketman. Bateman’s turn as the villain has also received high praise for its subtle menace.
However, not everyone is fully on board. Some critics felt the film didn’t take enough risks or fully explore the larger conspiracy hinted at in the background. Carry-On (2024) Others noted that while the tension is high, the payoff is somewhat subdued. But even these reviews acknowledge the film’s craftsmanship and effectiveness within its genre.
Audience reactions, on the other hand, have been largely positive. On platforms like Netflix and Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received strong viewer ratings. Many praised the film for being “refreshing,” “intense,” and “surprisingly emotional.” Viewers appreciated the grounded tone and how it focused on character over chaos.
On social media, Carry-On became a trending topic shortly after its release, with many highlighting Egerton’s acting range and the film’s stress-inducing plot. Carry-On (2024) Memes popped up about watching the movie before taking a flight—not recommended!
Final Verdict: Worth the Watch? Absolutely
In an era overflowing with generic action thrillers and over-the-top blockbusters, Carry-On stands out because it does more with less. It’s a smart, contained, and character-driven thriller that puts emotional stakes above spectacle. Carry-On (2024) With a runtime that respects your time (just under two hours) and a story that refuses to dumb things down, it’s the kind of movie that Netflix should be making more often.
Taron Egerton delivers a nuanced performance that cements him as a versatile leading man. Jason Bateman surprises with a role that will hopefully lead to more villainous parts in the future. Carry-On (2024) And Jaume Collet-Serra once again proves he’s a master of suspense when given the right material.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that will keep your heart pounding and your brain engaged, Carry-On is absolutely worth boarding. Just maybe watch it after your next flight—not before.
