Carry-On Ending Explained: Ethan’s Failed Polygraph’s Impact

Nivedita Dubey
December 17, 2024

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Summary:

Carry-On follows Ethan’s journey from a failed police academy candidate to a heroic TSA officer.
Ethan’s failed polygraph test becomes a pivotal turning point, exploited by the antagonist, the Traveler.
The climax sees Ethan outsmart the Traveler by locking him with the nerve agent, symbolizing his growth.

Carry-On, Netflix’s holiday action-thriller, showcases Ethan Kopek’s transformation from a vulnerable TSA officer to an unlikely hero. With themes of redemption and growth, the movie combines suspense and emotional stakes, culminating in a thrilling climax aboard a plane.

Ethan’s Failed Polygraph in Carry On

A significant turning point in Carry-On occurs when Ethan’s failed polygraph exam resurfaces. Ethan, portrayed by Taron Egerton, intentionally failed his police academy polygraph due to deep-seated insecurities and past mistakes. This decision haunted him, symbolizing his fear of failure and inability to live up to his potential.

The film’s antagonist, The Traveler (Jason Bateman), weaponizes this failure during a tense confrontation. By bringing up Ethan’s past, The Traveler attempts to break Ethan’s spirit, undermining his confidence and labeling him as unworthy. However, this moment becomes a catalyst for Ethan’s transformation. Instead of succumbing to doubt, Ethan channels this insult into determination, ultimately using it as motivation to stop The Traveler’s deadly plans.

This character development is crucial to the story. Ethan’s failure becomes his strength, driving him to prove to himself that he can rise above his insecurities. His journey reflects a broader theme of redemption: acknowledging past mistakes and using them as fuel for growth.

Climax: Ethan Outsmarts the Traveler and Saves the Day

The climax unfolds aboard a plane, where Ethan races to prevent a devastating nerve agent attack orchestrated by the Traveler. The antagonist’s goal is to assassinate a congresswoman, blame the tragedy on Russia, and push a defense bill that benefits private military contractors.

In a tense final showdown, Ethan outwits the Traveler by locking him inside an airtight industrial fridge alongside the nerve agent. This decisive act not only ensures the Traveler’s demise but also symbolizes Ethan’s transformation into a proactive protector. By embracing his darker instincts to protect his pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson), and their unborn child, Ethan sheds his self-doubt and proves his strength.

This pivotal moment emphasizes Ethan’s growth:

Redemption for his past mistakes.
Courage to take decisive action under pressure.
Transformation into a protector for his family and community.

The ending of Carry-On solidifies Ethan’s journey of personal growth. After saving the day, a one-year time jump reveals him embracing adulthood—now working as a police officer and preparing for a family vacation with Nora and their baby.

Ethan’s character arc resonates deeply with audiences, reflecting universal themes of:

Redemption: Learning from past failures to build a better future.
Responsibility: Transitioning into adulthood and embracing fatherhood.
Growth: Overcoming self-doubt to become a proactive protector.

The failed polygraph test, initially a symbol of failure, ultimately drives Ethan to prove himself, turning his perceived weakness into strength. His journey mirrors classic action-thriller archetypes, reminiscent of Die Hard’s John McClane, where personal redemption is tied to high-stakes heroism.

Release Details of Carry-On

Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, premiered on Netflix and features an ensemble cast led by Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman. The film blends suspenseful storytelling with emotional stakes, offering a holiday action experience perfect for fans of high-octane thrillers.

Key Characters:
- Ethan Kopek: A TSA officer battling personal insecurities while saving lives.
- The Traveler: A cunning antagonist manipulating events for personal gain.
- Nora Parisi: Ethan’s pregnant girlfriend, adding emotional weight to his mission.
Plot in Brief: Ethan is blackmailed by the Traveler into smuggling a nerve agent onto a flight, setting off a chain of high-stakes events. The story culminates in Ethan’s decisive victory, saving lives while redeeming his past mistakes.