As the holiday season approaches, the streaming giant Netflix has once again positioned itself as a purveyor of must-watch content. This year’s standout is not your typical Christmas cheer but a high-octane thriller that has both critics and audiences buzzing.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his keen eye in thrillers like The Shallows, this new addition is making waves for its gripping narrative and action-packed sequences.
These echo the sentiments of a holiday classic, making it an intriguing blend of suspense and festivity.
The film, titled Carry-On, stars Taron Egerton as a TSA agent thrust into a perilous situation on Christmas Eve. Egerton’s character is coerced into smuggling dangerous items onto a flight, under the threat of blackmail, adding a tense twist to the holiday season.
Jason Bateman portrays the enigmatic puppeteer behind the scenes, orchestrating the tension from the shadows.
The cast also includes Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Logan Marshall-Green, who add layers of intrigue and drama to the unfolding story.
Carry-On was penned by TJ Fixman and was originally intended to spearhead Netflix’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin production company.
Despite facing delays due to script rewrites, the film has received a warm reception from critics and viewers alike.
Critics have lauded the film for its ability to weave intense action with festive elements, creating a viewing experience that is both thrilling and seasonally appropriate.
William Bibbiani of The Wrap highlighted moments of the film as “as exciting as any other action movie this year.”
Pramit Chatterjee from Digital Media Talkies boldly named it “the best Christmas movie of the year,” a sentiment echoed by many. This blend of fast-paced action and holiday spirit seems to strike a chord with a wide audience.
Nick Schager of The Daily Beast praised the film for its “breakneck pace” and dubbed it an “unexpected and welcome Yuletide streaming gift.” The film offers something uniquely compelling about the holiday season.
In discussions about the film, Collet-Serra has acknowledged the influence of Die Hard, a film synonymous with Christmas for many, despite its unconventional theme.
“Everyone wants to make the next Die Hard, and the reality is that no one ever will – it’s a perfect movie that can’t be replicated,” Collet-Serra told the BBC.
Yet, with Carry-On, he aspires to craft a modern counterpart that resonates with today’s audience, offering a grounded take on the classic action during the festive period.
This conversation about whether Die Hard constitutes a Christmas movie has lingered for years.
John McTiernan, director of Die Hard, contributed to this discourse in a 2020 video for the American Film Institute, where he reflected on the unintended festive joy that emerged from his film.
He revealed that while the film wasn’t initially intended as a Christmas story, its themes of joy and redemption during the holiday season ultimately solidified its status as a festive favorite.
As Carry-On makes its mark, Netflix secures its role as a key player in defining contemporary holiday cinema.
The movie not only captivates with its high stakes and dynamic performances but also invites viewers to ponder the essence of what makes a film a true Christmas classic.
This holiday season, as families gather and streaming queues fill up with traditional favorites, Carry-On stands out as a thrilling departure from the norm.
Its arrival on Netflix has stirred a significant buzz, suggesting that perhaps the best Christmas movies are those that dare to diverge from the expected, blending yuletide joy with the thrill of adventure and suspense.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: Netflix’s Carry-On has indeed carved its niche as a potential new classic in holiday cinema, challenging preconceptions and delivering a compelling argument for its place in the holiday canon.
Feature Image credit: (Netflix)
