A thrilling new holiday release on Netflix is being praised by fans and critics alike, earning comparisons to classic action hits.
Combining action-packed suspense with a festive backdrop, Netflix’s latest release is already sparking heated debates about its place among beloved Christmas classics.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, best known for The Shallows, the movie stars Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman in a gripping story that takes place on Christmas Eve.
Egerton plays the role of a TSA agent who is forced into smuggling dangerous items onto a plane after being blackmailed. The stakes are high, and the tension is relentless.
Bateman portrays the mysterious mastermind behind the blackmail, while an impressive supporting cast—featuring Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Logan Marshall-Green—adds layers to the drama.
Written by TJ Fixman, the film was initially set to kickstart Netflix’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. However, script adjustments caused some delays along the way.
In hindsight, the extra time seems to have been worth it, as the movie has earned a wave of positive feedback.
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.
Netflix
Critics have been quick to call it one of the season’s best, with William Bibbiani of The Wrap describing it as: “as exciting as any other action movie this year.”
Pramit Chatterjee of Digital Media Talkies went a step further, declaring it: “the best Christmas movie of the year,”
Meanwhile, Nick Schager of The Daily Beast praised the film’s energy, calling it a “Yuletide streaming gift.”
Director Collet-Serra has openly acknowledged that Die Hard served as a major inspiration for this project.
In an interview with the BBC, Collet-Serra explained: “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 shared that while the film tips its hat to the 1988 action classic, it also aims to provide a fresh and grounded take that resonates with today’s audiences.
The influence of Die Hard is unmistakable, not just in the festive setting but in its story of an ordinary man forced into extraordinary circumstances.
Much like Bruce Willis’s John McClane, Egerton’s character is a relatable everyman who gets caught up in a dangerous, high-stakes situation.
Despite these parallels, Collet-Serra emphasized that the film maintains its own identity while paying tribute to its inspiration.
He summed up the project’s vision perfectly, stating: “It was our North Star throughout the process,”
For years, the question of whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie has divided fans.
Director John McTiernan himself addressed this in a 2020 interview for the American Film Institute.
McTiernan admitted that while the film wasn’t initially created with Christmas in mind, its themes of joy, redemption, and family connection made it a timeless holiday favorite.
This new Netflix release seems to capture a similar spirit, blending festive cheer with edge-of-your-seat action.
Critics agree that Carry-On strikes the right balance. James Dyer of Empire described it as ‘Die Hard karaoke’ but still praised its execution. In fact, he suggested it even surpasses some of the later entries in the Die Hard series.
Meanwhile, Peter Debruge of Variety highlighted the film’s holiday setting and applauded its tribute to hardworking TSA agents, all while delivering thrilling entertainment perfect for a cozy night in.
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.
Netflix
With its perfect timing for the holidays and glowing reviews, Carry-On has cemented itself as a must-watch festive thriller.
Whether it sparks fresh debates over what truly defines a Christmas movie or simply offers a welcome escape during the season, there’s no denying its impact.
Boasting a talented cast, sharp writing, and an undeniable nod to a beloved classic, this film deserves its place in the spotlight as a holiday standout.
Watch the official trailer for Carry-On below…