Warning: This post contains spoilers for Netflix’s Carry-On.Taron Egerton dives into how Ethan’s failure in his police academy training came back to motivate him in the final act of the Netflix seasonal action-thrillerCarry-On. Jaume Collet-Serra’s new movie sees Egerton play a TSA officer roped into a deadly conspiracy to allow the release of a nerve agent on a flight, leading to him trying to put a halt to the attack. Alongside Egerton,Carry-Onstars Jason Batemanas the mysterious Traveler, alongside Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, and Theo Rossi.
FollowingCarry-On’s Netflix debut, Egerton broke down the ending of the movie withUSA Today. According to Egerton, the Traveler’s insults towards Ethan upon learning he intentionally failed his police academy polygraph examultimately remind him of how he is trying not to repeat his past mistakes. He uses this moment of perceived weakness to take down the antagonist while his guard is lowered, with Egerton explaining:
That’s kind of the theme for Ethan of the film, really. He’s just found out he’s gonna be a dad and it’s time to wake up and be a grown up. I think it’s the arrogance of Jason’s character, thinking he’s got it all figured out. The character is totally unflappable, whereas Ethan is extremely flappable.
Ultimately, Egerton enjoyed not only the catharsis of Ethan finally getting the upper hand and the craft behind the final confrontation, but also how the final shot of the movie shows that Ethan would stay true to his dreams of becoming a better father and a police officer. Check out Egerton’s recollection below:
Jason has the upper hand for the entire movie. I’m like a rat in a trap for the whole thing, soit did feel quite good to finally get my own back and be the kind of winner at the end…it felt good to finally shove him in that fridge. I like to pretend that it’s an industrial, super strength fridge that’s intended for containing deadly nerve agents. He had crazy makeup for that. He had like four hours of makeup… you barely see it, but he’s got all this kind of pock marking on his face.
I think there’s that thing of pursuing your dreams and things not being too late. And that’s a nice thing to think about Christmas, I suppose.
What Egerton’s Response Means For Carry-On’s Ending
The Traveler’s Plot Pushes Ethan To Overcome His Past Mistakes
ThroughoutCarry-On, viewers are left uncertain as to what the Traveler’s goals are until later on in its runtime. Ultimately, the Traveler wishes to cause a tragedy that can be blamed on Russia and lead to support for a new defense bill in Congress, thus helping defense contractors hoping to profit from its ascension. In order to do so, he weaves a complicated web of multiple willing and unwilling accomplices and fail-safes to ensure the bill goes ahead.
Carry-On: The Villains’ Plan, Members & What They Actually Wanted Explained
The criminal conspiracy in Netflix’s Carry-On is absolutely massive, and here is who was involved, what their plan was, and what happened to everyone.
Ethan is just one pawn in this game, as the Traveler uses his pregnant girlfriend Nora (Carson) to secure his involvement. Ultimately, however, Ethan and his allies dismantle every carefully laid plan, leaving the Traveler vulnerable and making one last play. Though it is clear he has extensive background information on every individual he targets, hence the material on Ethan’s father, it is clear the Traveler overplayed his hand. His trials throughout the daygave Ethan a chance to prove his skills and rectify his past mistakeof allowing a criminal to get away, shattering any doubts he had about himself.
Our Take On Carry-On’s Ending
Ethan’s Struggle Is More Than The Action On-Screen
Carry-On’s structure is undoubtedly reminiscent of other seasonal action-thrillers, withthe most notable beingDie Hard. Just as the Nakatomi Plaza incident gave John McClane (Bruce Willis) an opportunity to save his marriage and Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) a chance to make up for the tragic mistake that traumatized him, Ethan’s ordeal with the Traveler isn’t just about preventing an international incident and nefarious conspiracy. It’s alsoa chance to push Ethan to better himself.
As Egerton explained, Ethan’s trial is ultimately an opportunity for him to face his past mistakes and change his life for the better,something that will ultimately resonate with audiences despite the high-stakes scenario. When paired with its Christmastime setting,Carry-Onhas a somewhat heartwarming core many can relate to wrapped within a high-octane battle, making for a very entertaining holiday watch.
Carry-On
Cast
Carry On is a film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, focusing on a young TSA agent who is coerced by a mysterious traveler into allowing a dangerous package onto a Christmas Eve flight. As events unfold, he must use his wits to resolve the perilous situation.
