Carry-On

Carry-On directed by Jaume Collet-Serra is a compelling example of how the action thriller genre can serve as both entertainment and vessel for deeper moral exploration. Buoyed by Taron Egerton's nuanced portrayal of Ethan Kopek, the film is a tightly woven tale that pits one man's desperation against an irresistible force, all in the confined yet volatile setting of Los Angeles International Airport. Combining solid storytelling with kinetic energy, Carry-On defies its seemingly simple premise to become a complex exploration of choice, morality and identity.

Carry-On is a study in transformation. Ethan Kopek begins the film as an archetypal modern man: disillusioned by his lack of upward mobility, emotionally detached from his surroundings and on the verge of a major life change. The announcement of his wife Nora Parisi's (Sofia Carson) pregnancy is the trigger for Kopek's internal conflict, forcing him to reconcile his feelings of inadequacy with a growing sense of responsibility. Taron Egerton masterfully conveys this evolution, capturing Kopek's emotional fragility and gradual shift to reluctant heroism with subtlety and depth. Unlike his more glamorous roles in films such as Rocketman and Kingsman: The Secret Service, e Taron 'Egerton's performance is stripped of overt heroism, allowing Kopek's transformation to be authentic and deeply human.

The introduction of the Traveler, played by Jason Bateman, marks a shift in the film's tone, from grounded drama to high-level psychological chess. Jason Bateman's understated performance as the antagonist is a masterpiece of tension and subtlety. Far from the traditional mustachioed villain, Traveler is unsettling precisely because of his banality. Bateman imbues the character with an air of calm menace, his dry wit and sharp intelligence making him a constant threat. The dynamic between Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman is electric, with Traveler's calculated manipulations pushing Kopek into increasingly impossible moral dilemmas. This interplay forms the backbone of the narrative, transforming a simple premise into a morally complex story that asks the audience to consider what they might do in similar circumstances.

Written by T.J. Fixman and Michael Green, Carry-On's script works on several levels. On the surface, it's a fast-paced, thrilling game of cat and mouse. However, beneath the suspense lies a story steeped in social commentary. Ethan Kopek's struggles with professional stagnation and self-doubt reflect the anxieties of a generation grappling with economic pressures and societal expectations. Nora Parisi, played with quiet strength by Sofia Carson, challenges traditional gender roles, portraying a woman who is both professionally accomplished and emotionally resilient. Their relationship is a microcosm of the modern, non-traditional family unit, based on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

The moral dilemmas posed by the film's premise - whether Ethan kopek should prioritize his wife's safety over the potential lives at stake - have profound resonance. Jaume Collet-Serra builds this tension masterfully, placing Ethan in increasingly claustrophobic and morally delicate situations. The screenplay's ability to present these choices without resorting to easy answers is a testament to its intelligence. Lines like “A bag for a life” and “All you have to do is nothing” sum up the heart of the film, forcing both character and audience to confront uncomfortable truths about action and consequences.

From a technical point of view, Carry-On excels in its ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. The decision to shoot the film in a disused terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport adds a layer of authenticity to the setting, with production designer Diane Lederman transforming the space into a vibrant yet oppressive version of Los Angeles International Airport. Attention to detail, down to the recreation of TSA scanners and the inclusion of realistic airport signage, immerses the audience in the world of the story.

Jaume Collet-Serra's direction further enhances this immersion. The film's visual language reflects Ethan's psychological state, with tight framing and disorientated angles conveying his sense of being trapped. One particularly effective sequence features Ethan monitoring the baggage scanner, where the monotony of his task is juxtaposed with the mounting tension of his predicament. The use of innovative camera set-ups and reflections energizes static scenes, while the integration of telephone screens into the mise-en-scène allows crucial information to be conveyed without disrupting the narrative flow.

The action sequences, though few in number, are executed with precision and creativity. The high-speed car crash involving Danielle Deadwyler's Inspector Elena Cole and Logan Marshall-Green's Agent Alcott is remarkable, blending practical effects and CGI to create a visceral, skin-deep experience. Stunt coordinator Dave Macomber's choreography emphasizes realism, with Ethan's awkward, improvisational fighting style a refreshing change from the polished battles usually seen in the genre.

While Carry-On is undeniably an action film, its emotional core lies in its exploration of human resilience and adaptability. Ethan's journey from passive observer to active participant is a powerful reminder of the potential of ordinary individuals to rise to extraordinary challenges. The film's quieter moments, such as those when Ethan grapples with Traveler's manipulations or seeks solace in his bond with Nora, add layers of emotional resonance that elevate the story beyond mere spectacle.

Sofia Carson's portrayal of Nora Parisi is particularly remarkable. As Operations Manager at Los Angeles Airport, Nora is both competent and compassionate, embodying a modern archetype of strength and independence. The chemistry between Carson and Egerton lends credibility to their relationship, anchoring the film's most intense moments in a sense of genuine intimacy. Similarly, Danielle Deadwyler's performance as Inspector Elena Cole brings a sense of urgency and determination to the story, her looks and charisma making her a star among the supporting cast.

Despite slight logical weaknesses in its strongest moments, Carry-On is an exemplary success. Its blend of suspense, moral complexity and emotional depth ensures that it stays with audiences long after the credits have rolled. Jaume Collet-Serra's meticulous direction, combined with outstanding performances from Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman and Sofia Carson, makes this film a modern vacation classic. Whether viewed as a thrilling action film or a meditation on the choices that define us, Carry-On is a film that demands to be experienced and discussed. While debate rages over whether Carry-On can be considered a vacation film, one thing is certain: it's a film that captures the spirit of resilience, sacrifice and humanity in the face of adversity, making it a worthy addition to the pantheon of action thrillers.

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 (France, United States)
Running Time : 119 minutes

Viewed December 12, 2024 (Netflix press screener)

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