Warning: This article contains spoilers for Carry-On
Overview of Carry-On
Netflix’s latest Christmas action flick, Carry-On, presents a thrilling narrative that mirrors the tension of the classic Die Hard. Nestled in the backdrop of Christmas Eve, the film delivers a series of gripping character deaths that heighten its dramatic stakes. With performances by an accomplished cast, including Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, audiences have responded positively, evidenced by its impressive 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot Summary
The film follows TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) as he works the X-ray machine on Christmas Eve. The narrative swiftly escalates into a fierce battle between good and evil when Ethan is coerced into allowing a suspicious bag through security, a decision that threatens countless lives, including his girlfriend Nora’s. This moral quandary leads to a heart-pounding climax involving Bateman’s villain, known as the Traveler. Echoing the tropes of traditional Christmas action films, Ethan’s quest to save his partner exposes him to tragic consequences, revealing that he cannot protect everyone.
Notable Character Deaths
|
Character |
Killed By |
|---|---|
|
Olek and Yuri |
The Traveler |
|
Lionel Williams |
The Traveler |
|
TSA Officer Sarkowski |
Mateo Flores |
|
Homeland Security Agent Alcott |
Detective Cole |
|
Mateo Flores |
Ethan Kopek (Accident) |
|
The Watcher |
Mateo’s Husband |
|
The Traveler |
Ethan Kopek |
1. Olek & His Nephew Yuri
The Deaths Set the Stage
In the film’s gripping opening, a mysterious figure confronts Olek at a Christmas tree farm’s greenhouse for an undisclosed deal. A sudden act of violence results in Olek’s gruesome death from a coughing fit, leading to the immediate demise of his nephew Yuri, shot by the assailant. These chilling events foreshadow the tense atmosphere of the film and hint at the complex web of criminal activity involved.
2. Lionel Williams
A Fatal Check
As Ethan struggles to thwart the Traveler’s malicious intent, he reaches out to his boss, Lionel Williams, armed with a hidden message intended to expose the danger at the airport. Tragically, just as Williams attempts to verify the suspicious ticket, he suffers a fatal heart attack instigated by the Traveler. Williams’ death propels Ethan deeper into the Traveler’s clutches, heightening the stakes for Nora’s safety.
3. TSA Agent Sarkowski
Another Casualty
During a critical moment, TSA Agent Sarkowski is caught in the crossfire between Ethan and Mateo. Despite Ethan’s efforts to save him, Sarkowski is brutally stabbed, resulting in a tragic loss of life. This further demonstrates the lethal consequences of the Traveler’s orchestrated chaos and compounds Ethan’s burden of guilt.
4. Homeland Security Agent Alcott
A Case of Mistaken Identity
In a thrilling twist, LAPD Detective Elena Cole discovers that the man claiming to be Agent Alcott is a fraud. After a tense confrontation leads to a car crash, Cole outsmarts the impersonator, revealing him as part of the terrorist plot. This pivotal moment underscores the pervasive deception woven throughout the narrative.
5. Mateo Flores
Fighting Against Fate
Mateo, previously tangled in the Traveler’s manipulations, finds himself forced to confront Ethan as tensions peak. Their confrontation unfolds on the airport’s baggage conveyor, showcasing choreography synonymous with classic action sequences. Tragically, Mateo’s demise serves as a poignant reminder of the impossibility of escaping the violent machinations into which he was ensnared.
6. The Watcher
A Hero Emerges
In the climactic sequence, Mateo’s husband intervenes, saving Ethan and Nora by eliminating the menacing Watcher. This act not only illustrates the desperate fight for survival but also delivers a bittersweet note when he learns of Mateo’s fate. It highlights the interconnectedness of the characters’ struggles amidst the chaos of the airport action.
7. The Traveler
Final Showdown
The film culminates in a breathtaking confrontation between Ethan and the Traveler on a plane headed for Washington, D.C. In a clever twist, Ethan divests the weapon of its functionality while trapping the Traveler in an airtight fridge, releasing the nerve agent. This masterful defeat signals Ethan’s transformation into a determined protector, interweaving themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Conclusion
Carry-On encapsulates the thrilling elements of a typical action film while providing a unique Christmas narrative. Although it may not ascend to the revered status of Die Hard, it offers an electrifying experience that promises to keep audiences captivated. The film’s blend of suspense, intense character arcs, and festive backdrop makes it a noteworthy addition to holiday viewing lists this season.