Netflix - Carry-On: A High-Stakes Thriller Set to Land on Netflix This December

By Mulder, 12 november 2024

As the festive season approaches, Netflix is preparing to release one of its most anticipated films of the year, Carry-On, a taut action-thriller helmed by Jaume Collet-Serra. Known for crafting pulse-pounding narratives in films like Jungle Cruise and The Shallows, Collet-Serra's latest project dives into the perilous world of airport security, holiday travel, and moral quandaries. Slated for release on December 13, 2024, Carry-On promises to deliver a gripping and suspenseful story that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Set against the backdrop of Christmas Day, Carry-On tells the story of Ethan Kopek, played by the versatile Taron Egerton, who rose to fame with roles in the Kingsman series and Rocketman. Kopek is a young and idealistic Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer whose routine day at the airport takes a sinister turn. A mysterious traveler, portrayed by Jason Bateman in a chillingly enigmatic role, blackmails Ethan into allowing a dangerous package to bypass airport security. With the stakes at an all-time high, Ethan finds himself grappling with a moral dilemma that could have catastrophic consequences, not just for the passengers aboard the flight but for his own conscience.

The plot is brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast, with Egerton and Bateman joined by Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Theo Rossi in pivotal roles. Carson, known for her performances in Purple Hearts and Descendants, brings a nuanced presence to the screen, while Deadwyler, fresh off her acclaimed role in Till, adds further depth to the film's dramatic core. The supporting cast, featuring Dean Norris, Logan Marshall-Green, and Sinqua Walls, contributes to the film’s tense and layered atmosphere, ensuring every moment feels packed with urgency and purpose.

The journey to Carry-On began with a partnership between Amblin Partners and Netflix in June 2021. As part of their deal to produce multiple films per year, Carry-On was originally conceived as the first project under this ambitious agreement. The screenplay underwent an extensive development process, with T.J. Fixman, a former Insomniac Games writer, crafting the original draft. Michael Green, known for his work on Logan and Blade Runner 2049, contributed additional literary material, resulting in a screenplay that balances edge-of-your-seat thrills with profound ethical questions.

Filming for Carry-On began in September 2022 and wrapped in January 2023. Shot primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana, the production made use of the city's vibrant yet gritty atmosphere to enhance the film's tension and aesthetic. With a budget of $47 million, the production ensured that every aspect of the film, from its high-octane action sequences to its intricate character development, received the attention it deserved. Behind the camera, cinematographer Lyle Vincent captured the film's visual essence, while editors Fred Raskin, Elliot Greenberg, and Krisztian Majdik worked tirelessly to maintain a razor-sharp narrative pace. Composer Lorne Balfe, whose previous scores include Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Black Widow, crafted a soundtrack that complements the film’s escalating tension.

Beyond its narrative intrigue, Carry-On stands out as a hallmark of Netflix’s commitment to delivering premium content through strategic partnerships. The collaboration with Amblin Partners underscores the streaming giant's ability to attract top-tier talent and invest in projects that offer something fresh and compelling. For Netflix, Carry-On is more than just a holiday thriller—it’s a demonstration of its dedication to curating films that cater to a global audience while pushing creative boundaries.

As Carry-On gears up for its December debut, anticipation among viewers and critics alike is at a fever pitch. The film's premise, exploring themes of moral compromise and the fragility of human decisions under pressure, feels particularly relevant in today’s world. By situating its story within the high-stakes environment of holiday travel—a time already fraught with stress and heightened emotions—Carry-On promises a thrilling ride that is as emotionally charged as it is action-packed.

The release of Carry-On is poised to be a significant moment for Netflix, not just as a showcase of its collaborative filmmaking efforts but as a testament to its ability to deliver big-budget, cinematic experiences directly to viewers’ homes. With its exceptional cast, compelling plot, and seasoned director at the helm, Carry-On is expected to dominate the conversation this holiday season, offering a cinematic escape that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.

Synopsis :
A young airline security agent is blackmailed by a mysterious passenger who threatens to smuggle a dangerous package aboard a plane on Christmas Eve...

Carry-On
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
Written by T.J. Fixman
Produced by Dylan Clark
Starring Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Jason Bateman
Cinematography : Lyle Vincent
Edited by Fred Raskin, Elliot Greenberg, Krisztian Majdik
Music by Lorne Balfe
Production companies : Dylan Clark Productions, DreamWorks Pictures
Distributed by Netflix
Release date : December 13, 2024 (United States)