A new holiday thriller on Netflix has taken audiences by storm, drawing comparisons to an action classic and being heralded by critics as a standout Christmas film.
The movie blends suspense, action, and seasonal charm, sparking debates about its place among festive favorites.
This gripping thriller comes from director Jaume Collet-Serra, best known for The Shallows, and stars Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman in a tense story set on Christmas Eve.
Egerton takes on the role of a TSA agent who finds himself coerced into smuggling dangerous items onto a flight under the threat of blackmail.
Bateman’s character plays a key role as the enigmatic figure pulling the strings, while a supporting cast, including Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Logan Marshall-Green, adds depth to the ensemble.
The film, penned by TJ Fixman, was originally intended to launch Netflix’s partnership with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin production company but underwent delays due to script revisions.
The extra time appears to have paid off, as the movie has garnered widespread praise.
Critics are hailing it as one of the top releases of the season, with William Bibbiani of The Wrap describing moments in the film as: “as exciting as any other action movie this year.”
Pramit Chatterjee of Digital Media Talkies went so far as to call it: “the best Christmas movie of the year,” while Nick Schager of The Daily Beast praised its fast-paced action and described it as a “Yuletide streaming gift.”
Director Collet-Serra has openly acknowledged the influence of Die Hard on the project.
Speaking to the BBC, he noted: “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.”
He added that the new film aims to offer a more grounded version of the 1988 classic, tailored to resonate with a modern audience.
The parallels to Die Hard extend beyond themes of high-stakes action during the holidays.
Like Bruce Willis’s John McClane, Egerton’s character is an everyman thrust into an extraordinary situation, balancing his professional duties with personal danger.
However, the director emphasized that the new film stands on its own while paying homage to its inspiration.
“It was our North Star throughout the process,” Collet-Serra remarked.
The debate over what constitutes a Christmas movie has lingered for years, particularly regarding Die Hard.
John McTiernan, director of the Willis-led blockbuster, weighed in on the topic in a 2020 video for the American Film Institute.
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.
Critics have noted that the new Netflix release successfully captures a similar spirit, blending holiday cheer with intense action.
James Dyer of Empire described the film as ‘Die Hard karaoke’ but praised its execution, even suggesting that it surpasses some entries in the McClane franchise.
Peter Debruge of Variety highlighted the seasonal setting, urging viewers to appreciate the dedication of TSA agents while enjoying the high-stakes drama from the comfort of home.
With its timely release and high praise, this movie has quickly established itself as a must-watch for the holiday season.
Whether it sparks debates about its classification as a Christmas film or simply serves as an entertaining escape, it’s clear that Netflix has delivered a hit.
Featuring an outstanding cast, taut storytelling, and a nod to a beloved classic, Carry-On has earned its place in the spotlight as a holiday thriller to remember.
Watch the official trailer for Carry-On below…
