Why Netflix's "Carry-On" Might Be More Than Just Another Thrilling Ride
Netflix’s newest thriller Carry-On is creating a bit of a stir, not just for its plot but for the title choice. While it might seem like a simple, straightforward name, there’s more to it than meets the eye—especially for British audiences who are quite familiar with the iconic "Carry On" comedy film series from the 1960s and 70s. This could be problematic, as the title brings with it a certain expectation of cheeky humor and innuendo, which Carry-On the thriller decidedly lacks.
The film stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent working at LAX who’s stuck in a job he loathes. His life takes a drastic turn when a mysterious figure, played by Jason Bateman, blackmails him into letting a dangerous suitcase pass through security. As the story unfolds, we witness Ethan’s increasingly desperate attempts to prevent disaster without jeopardizing the life of his pregnant girlfriend, played by Sofia Carson. The stakes are high, and the suspense builds with every passing moment.
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For American audiences, the title Carry-On makes perfect sense. It’s a reference to the carry-on baggage that every passenger is familiar with at an airport. However, British viewers are likely to be reminded of the Carry On films—a series of comedies known for their slapstick humor, innuendo, and light-hearted antics. The expectation of humor, particularly in relation to a word like "cockpit," is almost unavoidable. So, when the film is marketed under this title, it’s almost as if Netflix is inadvertently setting itself up for a confusion of tone.
Despite the title, Carry-On is a high-stakes, tension-filled thriller, with its focus on suspense rather than comedy. It delivers on that front, as Ethan is forced into a psychological game of cat and mouse with Bateman’s character, a terrorist mastermind known only as Traveler. Bateman’s performance is particularly notable; he plays the villain with a chilling calmness that adds an extra layer of tension to the film. There are no laughs here, just an escalating sense of urgency and danger.
But back to the title issue. Could Netflix have chosen a more appropriate name for British audiences? Perhaps, though it’s a tricky situation. While "Carry-On" fits perfectly within the American context, something like "Hand Luggage" might have been more accurate for the UK market. However, the word “luggage” doesn’t have the same ring to it when attached to a thriller. It’s hard to imagine the same intensity when the film’s title evokes something as mundane as luggage.
In the end, Carry-On succeeds because of its strong performances, particularly by Egerton and Bateman, who keep the tension palpable throughout. While the film might never be remembered as a classic or a holiday favorite, it’s a solid, entertaining thriller—one that will keep you on the edge of your seat for its entire runtime. However, as much as the movie delivers in suspense, its title remains a curious choice that may leave British viewers with the wrong impression, albeit unintentionally.
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