In Netflix’s latest action thriller “Carry-On,” viewers are taken on a heart-pounding journey through the bustling corridors of Los Angeles International Airport. The movie, starring Taron Egerton as TSA agent Ethan Kopek, keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until its explosive conclusion. Let’s break down the film’s ending and explore the intricate plot that unfolds.
The Setup
“Carry-On” introduces us to Ethan Kopek, a bored TSA agent with dreams of becoming a police officer. On a busy Christmas Eve, Ethan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he’s forced to help a mysterious traveler, played by Jason Bateman, smuggle a dangerous package through airport security.
The stakes are high for Ethan. If he doesn’t cooperate, his pregnant girlfriend Nora’s life is at risk. This sets the stage for a tense cat-and-mouse game that plays out across the airport.
The Villain’s Plan Revealed
As the story unfolds, we learn that Bateman’s character, known only as “the Traveler,” has a sinister plan. He intends to release a deadly Russian nerve agent called Novichok on a plane, targeting Congresswoman Grace Turner and other passengers.
The Traveler’s motives are tied to a complex political scheme. He’s working for unnamed employers who want to influence the passage of the Defense of Threatened Democracies Act. By making the attack appear to be carried out by Russia, they hope to rally support for the bill, which would funnel money to private defense contractors.
Ethan’s Dilemma
Throughout the movie, Ethan grapples with impossible choices. He must balance his duty as a TSA agent with the need to protect his loved ones. This internal conflict drives much of the film’s tension and showcases Egerton’s acting skills.
The Airport Showdown
As the plot thickens, Ethan realizes he must take action to stop the Traveler. The film’s climax takes place on the plane where the Traveler plans to release the nerve agent.
In a clever twist, Ethan manages to switch the Traveler’s bag for a slightly larger one that won’t fit in the overhead compartment. This forces the bag to be checked and gives Ethan a chance to track it.
The Final Confrontation
Ethan sneaks onto the plane just before takeoff and makes his way to the cargo hold. There, he attempts to disarm the bomb containing the nerve agent. However, the Traveler discovers him, leading to a tense standoff.
In a moment of quick thinking, Ethan pushes the Traveler into a vacuum-sealed fridge in the cargo hold. He then breaks the canister of nerve agent inside, causing the Traveler to die a gruesome death while keeping the other passengers safe.
The Aftermath
With the immediate threat neutralized, the plane returns safely to LAX. Congresswoman Turner and the other passengers are saved, unaware of how close they came to disaster.
The film then jumps forward in time, showing us Ethan’s life after the events at the airport. We see that he has achieved his dream of becoming a police officer. In a touching scene, Ethan is shown going through airport security with Nora and their new baby, heading for a vacation in Tahiti.
Themes and Symbolism
“Carry-On” explores several themes throughout its runtime. One of the most prominent is the idea of taking action versus remaining passive. Ethan’s character arc sees him transform from someone content with his unfulfilling job to a person willing to risk everything to do what’s right.
The movie also touches on the complexities of modern security threats and the difficult decisions faced by those tasked with keeping the public safe. It raises questions about the balance between security and privacy, and the potential for abuse of power.
Critical Reception
While “Carry-On” doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to airport thrillers, many critics have praised its taut pacing and clever use of its setting. The film has been noted for its ability to mine tension from the inherently stressful environment of a busy airport during the holiday season.
Taron Egerton’s performance as Ethan has received particular acclaim. His portrayal of a man caught between duty and survival resonates with viewers and drives much of the film’s emotional core.
Jason Bateman, known primarily for comedic roles, has also been praised for his chilling turn as the villainous Traveler. His deadpan delivery and unnerving charisma bring a unique flavor to the antagonist role.
Comparisons to Classic Thrillers
Many viewers and critics have drawn comparisons between “Carry-On” and classic airport thrillers like “Die Hard 2.” While the film certainly shares some DNA with these predecessors, it carves out its own identity through its focus on surveillance and psychological tension rather than all-out action.
The movie’s Christmas Eve setting has also sparked discussions about whether it qualifies as a holiday film, much like the ongoing debate surrounding the original “Die Hard”.
Production and Direction
“Carry-On” was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on action thrillers like “The Commuter” and “Non-Stop.” His experience with the genre shines through in the film’s tight pacing and effective use of its airport setting.
The screenplay, written by TJ Fixman, has been praised for its intelligent plotting and ability to keep viewers guessing. The script manages to balance character development with the needs of the thriller genre, creating a satisfying blend of emotional stakes and pulse-pounding action.
Conclusion
“Carry-On” delivers a thrilling ride from takeoff to landing. Its clever use of the airport setting, combined with strong performances from its lead actors, makes for an engaging watch. The film’s ending, with its mix of high-stakes confrontation and personal triumph, provides a fitting conclusion to Ethan’s journey. It leaves viewers with a sense of resolution while also highlighting the ongoing nature of the security challenges faced in our modern world.
