Carry-On: Netflix's Action-Thriller Starring Taron Egerton and David Harbour Delivers High-Stakes Drama and Suspense This Holiday Season
Written 17th October 2024 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
As the holiday season approaches, Netflix is set to release another unconventional Christmas movie that promises action and suspense alongside the usual holiday cheer. Carry-On, an intense thriller from the streaming giant, is scheduled to premiere on December 13th, making it a unique addition to this year's holiday lineup.
The recently released trailer for Carry-On has already generated significant buzz, revealing a gripping plot that stands in stark contrast to the traditional heartwarming Christmas films we’re accustomed to. Like Amazon's upcoming Red One, Carry-On embraces the action-thriller genre, offering a refreshing break from the festive romance and family comedies that typically dominate this time of year.
Watch the trailer:
An Unconventional Christmas Movie
Carry-On follows Ethan Kopek, portrayed by Taron Egerton (Rocketman), an airport security officer who finds himself in an impossible situation on Christmas Day. After being blackmailed into helping a mysterious criminal smuggle a dangerous package onto a plane, Ethan must navigate a complex web of danger, deceit, and high-stakes action—all while the world celebrates the holidays around him.
The trailer teases the tension that defines the movie, showcasing Egerton’s character trapped in a moral and physical struggle to prevent a catastrophe, all while under the watchful eye of the unknown antagonist. The festive setting serves as a stark contrast to the harrowing plot, adding an extra layer of suspense as Christmas music and decorations form the backdrop to the film’s pulse-pounding sequences.
A Shift in Holiday Movie Trends
Carry-On continues the recent trend of blending traditional Christmas themes with genres like action and thriller. In a similar vein, Red One, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, is another holiday-themed action-comedy expected to redefine how audiences experience Christmas films this year. While Red One leans more into the adventure-comedy realm, Carry-On stays firmly in thriller territory, offering a darker, more suspenseful take on holiday storytelling.
The success of films like Die Hard (often debated as a Christmas movie) showed long ago that audiences are open to high-stakes action during the holiday season, and Netflix seems keen to continue exploring this unconventional genre.
Image credit: Netflix
Above - Official movie poster
What We Know So Far
Beyond Egerton's leading role, the film boasts an impressive supporting cast that includes Stranger Things star David Harbour and Jason Bateman (Ozark), ensuring both intense performances and well-rounded characters. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Black Adam, Jungle Cruise), the movie promises tight pacing, nail-biting moments, and action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Though Carry-On is not your typical heartwarming Christmas film, it offers a fresh take on the season, perfect for audiences looking for something a little different this December. For those who love a thrilling plot intertwined with the spirit of the holidays, Carry-On looks set to deliver on all fronts.
Mark your calendars for December 13th, and be ready for a Christmas movie experience that trades in mistletoe for suspense, and holiday cheer for high-octane thrills. With the trailer out now, fans are already eagerly awaiting Netflix's next big holiday release.
