Meet Ethan Kopek: The Everyday Hero Stuck in Airport Security
Ethan Kopek, a character reminiscent of the flawed, relatable heroes portrayed by Mel Gibson or Bruce Willis in the ’80s, has always aspired to be a police officer. However, his reality is far from his dream as he’s relegated to airport security – not even the crucial task of scanning passengers’ luggage for explosives. For the past three years, Ethan has been stuck in the depths of LAX airport, dreaming of a promotion that seems elusive.
A Christmas Eve Plot in Netflix’s “Carry-On”
Netflix’s “Carry-On” is a fun, low-key thriller set on Christmas Eve, one of the busiest travel times of the year. Ethan, played by Taron Egerton, chooses this day to prove his worth, pleading with his boss, a grumpy Dean Morris, for a chance to work on a scanning machine. His supervisor concedes, but luck isn’t on Ethan’s side. Within minutes of manning the CT scanner, Ethan finds himself in the middle of a “Die Hard”-esque scenario. Someone is attempting to smuggle a suitcase filled with Novichok nerve agent onto a packed flight, and they’ve chosen Ethan as their weak link to bypass the checkpoint.
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“Carry-On”: A Familiar Yet Thrilling Premise
“Carry-On” doesn’t reinvent the wheel with its high-concept Hollywood thriller premise. Instead, T.J. Fixman, a writer for the “Ratchet & Clank” videogame series, and director Jaume Collet-Serra present a scenario so commonplace, it’s probably crossed your mind while going through airport security: How could a terrorist bypass this system?
The Terrorists’ Manipulation of Ethan
The film’s solution is for malevolent men, including a brutal killer portrayed by the intriguingly cast Jason Bateman, to intimidate and manipulate Ethan into obeying their orders. Things heat up when Ethan inserts a “lost” earpiece and hears Bateman’s voice giving commands. While it would theoretically be simpler to pressure other airport employees who pass through lower-security entrances daily, the film’s twist involves convincing a committed agent to abandon his duty, thereby giving the villains a “Mission: Impossible”-style access to all of LAX’s surveillance cameras.
Ethan’s Commitment and Loyalty Tested
Despite the film’s plot holes, Fixman’s script hinges on one belief: Ethan’s unwavering dedication to his pregnant girlfriend Sofia Carson (Nora Parisi). He’s willing to risk his job and the lives of everyone at LAX to ensure her safety. The plot thickens as the film later reveals another character under the terrorists’ control, forced into action because their spouse has been taken hostage. This narrative device, often used by screenwriters, turns ordinary people into weapons and prompts audiences to ponder: What would you do in their shoes?
“Carry-On”: A Tense Tug-of-War
In “Carry-On,” Ethan is both an average guy presented with a chance to be a hero and an average guy blackmailed into endangering everyone at LAX. His internal struggle is depicted through tense close-ups of Egerton’s strategically clenched jaw. As “Kingsman” demonstrated, Egerton is an appealing action star, and this film offers him numerous opportunities to perform Tom Cruise-style airport sprints.
Director Collet-Serra’s Creative Solutions
The film serves as a sleek, relatively grounded comeback for Spanish director Collet-Serra after the dramatic “Black Adam.” The film also offers several stunning set-pieces, notably a single-shot highway sequence where FBI agent Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler) fights her way out of a speeding vehicle. Elena and the driver grapple over a gun as the car crashes into obstacles on either side, all while moving at 70 miles per hour.
The Power of Character Focus in “Carry-On”
Despite Collet-Serra’s creative solutions for action sequences, the film is most effective when focusing on the core characters. Thanks to Netflix, viewers can shout instructions at the screen anytime Ethan appears slow to make the right decision. Early on, Bateman’s character kills one of Ethan’s colleagues, effectively demonstrating the consequences of disobedience.
Jason Bateman: Unlikely Casting, Unexpected Success
Jason Bateman, an unexpected casting choice, may just be the film’s most valuable player. He adds a surprisingly likable aspect to the anonymous psychopath giving orders in Ethan’s ear. Bateman’s character is much more personable than the similar control freak voiced by Kiefer Sutherland in “Phone Booth.” Bateman’s firm yet friendly approach makes it believable that he could instantly form a bond with the man he’s remotely controlling, while Ethan’s strategy is to distract and delay while trying to identify and outwit the criminal.
Taking Pleasure in the Preposterousness of “Carry-On”
Watching “Carry-On” on Netflix, viewers may find joy in its absurdity, which leaves ample room for sarcastic commentary from the comfort of the family couch, especially during the lengthy dialogue-free stretches. If you’re traveling this Christmas, spare a thought for the TSA agents. But if you’re staying home, take solace in the trials that “Carry-On” puts one of them through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of “Carry-On”?
In “Carry-On,” Ethan, an airport security agent, finds himself at the center of a plot to smuggle a dangerous nerve agent onto a plane. He’s chosen by the villains as the weak link they can manipulate to get past the security checkpoint.
Who are the key characters in the film?
The film centers around Ethan, played by Taron Egerton, and also features performances by Dean Morris, Sofia Carson (Nora Parisi), Jason Bateman and Danielle Deadwyler (FBI agent Elena Cole).
What sets “Carry-On” apart from other thrillers?
“Carry-On” focuses on the internal struggle of an average guy blackmailed into endangering everyone at LAX. It’s a tense, internal tug-of-war that plays out in close-ups of Egerton’s strategically clenched jaw.
Where can I watch “Carry-On”?
“Carry-On” is available for streaming on Netflix.
Credit: variety.com
