Taron Egerton battles Jason Bateman in Netflix’s high-stakes thriller “Carry-On”

Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman turn up the tension in Netflix’s upcoming holiday action-thriller Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The film, set to stream on December 13, 2024, offers a gripping, high-stakes scenario as an inexperienced TSA agent is caught in a deadly game of wits on Christmas Eve.

In Carry-On, Taron Egerton plays the lead role of a frustrated TSA agent working in an airport. His character, described as dejected and unfulfilled, is grappling with personal struggles—including the discovery that his girlfriend is pregnant. This adds pressure to his already unfulfilling job and forces him to confront his own insecurities about becoming a responsible father.

The film’s central conflict arises when Egerton’s character is blackmailed by a mysterious traveller, played by Jason Bateman. Bateman’s character, cold and calculating, coerces the TSA agent into allowing a dangerous package onto a flight. The stakes are high, and Bateman’s character doesn’t mince words, delivering the chilling line: “You have 10 minutes before everybody in this airport dies. All you have to do is nothing.” The trailer hints at the intense psychological and physical battle that ensues between the two, as Egerton’s character must decide whether to comply or find a way to stop the impending disaster.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on Black Adam and Jungle Cruise, brings his knack for high-octane, suspenseful storytelling to this film. The script, penned by T.J. Fixman, promises an adrenaline-filled narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s setting—a bustling airport on Christmas Eve—adds to the urgency and pressure of the plot, with the festive backdrop juxtaposed against the looming threat of violence.

Carry-On features a star-studded supporting cast, including Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Sinqua Walls, Logan Marshall-Green, Theo Rossi, Josh Brener, and Dean Norris. With Egerton and Bateman leading the ensemble, the film is poised to be a major hit for Netflix during the holiday season.

Egerton, known for his roles in the Kingsman series and his portrayal of Elton John in Rocketman, steps into a more grounded and tense role in Carry-On. He recently spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his character’s state of mind at the start of the film, highlighting the internal conflict and dissatisfaction that make his character’s journey both relatable and thrilling.

Jason Bateman, who has recently appeared in films like Fool’s Paradise and Air, takes on a darker role in Carry-On, proving once again his versatility as an actor. His character’s menace and manipulation drive much of the tension in the film.

As the release date approaches, Carry-On promises to deliver a holiday thriller that blends suspense, action, and emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of high-stakes drama.