10 Major Plot Holes and Confusing Moments in Carry-On That Defy Logic

Warning: major spoilers for Netflix’s Carry-On.

Exploring Plot Holes in Netflix’s Carry-On

The recent addition to Netflix’s action film repertoire, Carry-On, offers an engaging tale yet is riddled with inconsistencies and unanswered questions. The narrative centers around Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA officer who dreams of a promotion as he prepares to welcome a child with his girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson). However, a sinister twist occurs when he is handed a mysterious earbud, leading him to receive chilling orders from a shadowy figure called the Traveler (Jason Bateman), who threatens Nora’s life if Ethan does not comply. While Carry-On successfully transitions from thriller to action, it falters with several logical missteps.

1. Olek’s Mysterious Demise

The movie opens intriguingly with the Traveler meeting Olek in a greenhouse. After exchanging a bag of money for car keys, Olek suddenly collapses, coughing blood and dying shortly thereafter. Despite police investigations revealing details about the scene, the precise cause of Olek’s death remains unexplained. The lack of communication regarding whether he was poisoned or another plot device feels like a significant oversight.

2. The Flawed Plan to Eliminate Nora

Threatening to kill Nora at the bustling airport should have raised immediate red flags for the Traveler’s strategy. Unlike the more secluded Jason’s family situation, Nora’s presence in a crowded public space drastically increases the likelihood of drawing attention and evidence leading back to the perpetrators. A targeted attack in such an environment would likely lead to immediate lockdown procedures, potentially thwarting the Traveler’s larger plans.

3. Lack of Discretion in the Traveler’s Actions

Strikingly, the Traveler deftly avoids any suspicion while carrying a dangerous substance in his backpack through the airport. One would expect heightened security protocols to flag such items, raising questions about the efficacy of airport screenings and the Traveler’s ability to pass unnoticed.

4. Ignorance of Ethan’s Polygraph Past

The Traveler’s team is depicted as highly skilled in surveillance and intelligence gathering; however, they appear oblivious to Ethan’s failed polygraph exam, a critical piece of information that would have made him an ideal target for manipulation. This inconsistency calls into question the thoroughness of the Traveler’s operations.

5. Egregious Security Lapses

Additionally, one of the Traveler’s associates manages to slip a parachute past airport security—a glaring and unrealistic oversight. The ease of which this occurs further underscores the film’s loose handling of security protocols at such high-stakes locations.

6. Rethinking the Need for a Sniper

As previously mentioned, employing a sniper may not have been the smartest move if the goal was to eliminate Nora. A multitude of less conspicuous methods existed for accomplishing this task without attracting the immediate scrutiny that a sniper would incur.

7. Lionel’s Premature Demise

The death of Ethan’s colleague Lionel illustrates similar issues surrounding plot execution. The speed at which Lionel succumbs stands out as overly convenient, yet another instance that questions the implications of security measures within the airport.

8. Unwise Decisions by Detective Cole

Detective Elena Cole’s decision to confront the fake agent while driving raises eyebrows. As a law enforcement officer, expecting her to maintain composure during a high-stakes moment feels like a narrative misstep, reducing the credibility of her character.

9. Ethan’s Poor Decision Making

In a critical moment, rather than contacting 911 for assistance regarding the bomb threat, Ethan opts to text a colleague, placing both him and Nora in unnecessary jeopardy. This choice speaks to a larger theme of poor decision-making that permeates the film.

10. Unrealistic Actions in the Cargo Hold

As the climax unfolds, Ethan makes an astonishing leap into the cargo area of a moving plane, which defies logic given the circumstances. The excessive nature of these sequences culminates in a film that, despite its many flaws, remains an entertaining watch if one can overlook the numerous logical inconsistencies.

Carry-On ultimately presents a thrilling ride that captivates audiences, yet addressing these plot holes would enhance the viewing experience and credibility of the storytelling.

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