Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Drop.
While Drop masterfully sustains tension throughout its runtime, there exists a puzzling narrative inconsistency within the villain’s scheme. The film, despite its few narrative flaws, has garnered positive acclaim for its potent mix of anxiety-driven storytelling and a cleverly dark sense of humor. Notably, the soundtrack adds to this unique flavor, featuring unexpected tracks, such as a laid-back piano rendition of “Baby Shark.”However, amidst the compelling thrills, certain plot elements warrant deeper scrutiny.
The film reaches a pivotal moment of suspense right before its conclusion when **Violet** seeks to send a message to **Phil**, the pianist at Palate, the main restaurant featured. She tries to alert him about her son **Toby’s** kidnapping, but tragically, **Phil is poisoned by Violet’s blackmailer and dies in the lobby**. This event not only illustrates the control exerted by the antagonist, **Richard**, but also raises significant questions regarding the practicality of his actions.
Why Richard Shouldn’t Be Able to Kill Phil Without Assistance
The Plausibility of Richard Being an Inside Man
As suspense builds to its climax, **Phil’s death** becomes one of the most shocking twists. Not only does Richard succeed in contaminating Phil’s martini, but he also manages to threaten Violet by slipping a $20 bill containing her plea for help into her salad. This elaborate maneuver raises questions about how Richard could have orchestrated these acts unnoticed.
In terms of logistics, it seems improbable for Richard to execute such clever sabotage without help, especially considering that **he deliberately chose a seat positioned to remain out of the security camera’s view** throughout the evening. The film’s director, **Christopher Landon**, claimed that parts of **Drop** draw inspiration from real-life events, making this particular inconsistency even more glaring.
Lack of Evidence for Richard’s Alleged Accomplice
No Support for Richard During the Climax
In the movie’s final act, we discover the identity of **Jen and Toby’s** captor, connected to Richard’s blackmail scheme, is the same electrician who appeared at the start. However, this revelation feels underwhelming, especially when considering that a more significant twist involving any deeper connections to Richard would have added to the narrative’s complexity. Unfortunately, no additional accomplices are ever mentioned or revealed throughout the story.
The film hints at various characters who could plausibly have tampered with Phil’s drink or Violet’s meal, but these narrative threads lead nowhere. **Matt**, the waiter, comes across as innocent, and **Cara**, the bartender, actively intervenes to protect Violet at a critical moment, clearing her of suspicion. This leaves only the unnamed **hostess**, yet she, too, does not assist Richard during the film’s climax, leaving a glaring lack of support for his actions.
The Disappointment of a Plot Hole in a Strong Film
A Minor Flaw in an Otherwise Exceptional Film
Image via Universal Pictures
Given its effective suspense and well-timed humor, it’s no wonder that **Drop** has been celebrated as one of the standout films of SXSW 2025. Therefore, it is particularly disheartening that the narrative is marred by a notable inconsistency. The plot hole regarding **Phil’s death** appears particularly frustrating, especially since resolving it would have been relatively straightforward. Given the political corruption intertwined with Richard’s plan, it would not have been far-fetched for him to have a second accomplice hidden within the restaurant.
The absence of any such character detracts from the credibility of how Richard managed to kill Phil and insert the $20 bill unnoticed, especially considering the restaurant’s surveillance capabilities. Notably, the story concludes on a well-rounded note, leading to speculation that this inconsistency is not meant to set up a sequel but rather remains an unresolved thread in an otherwise tightly woven narrative. This poignant loose end undermines what could have been a landmark thriller of the year.