Carter: Stunning action overshadowed by messy storytelling

The opening scene of “Carter” is a brutal, relentless fight sequence in a public bath, where our protagonist, Carter Lee, played by Joo Won, takes on a horde of gangsters with lethal precision. It’s a visceral, well-choreographed spectacle that sets the tone for Jung Byung-gil’s action thriller, released on Netflix to mixed reviews.

What works in “Carter” is undeniably its action sequences and cinematography. The film delivers a series of exhilarating set pieces, from hand-to-hand combat in cramped spaces to high-speed chases through pandemic-stricken Seoul. Jung Byung-gil’s direction is dynamic, with a keen eye for composition that makes each fight scene a visual treat. Joo Won’s performance as Carter Lee is another highlight, embodying the character’s deadly skills and internal conflict with a gravitas that anchors the film.

However, “Carter” stumbles in its plotting and screenwriting. The film’s narrative is convoluted, juggling too many subplots involving a deadly pandemic, a North Korean coup, and a CIA chase without fully developing any of them. The pacing is uneven, with the story often grinding to a halt for exposition dumps that disrupt the momentum. The character motivations are also murky, particularly in the latter half when the plot twists pile up.

The film’s originality is similarly mixed. While the premise—a man with no memories and a bomb in his mouth—is intriguing, it’s not enough to elevate “Carter” above other action thrillers. The blend of pandemic horror, political intrigue, and espionage feels like a mashup of existing tropes rather than a fresh take.

In terms of genre fit, “Carter” excels as an action thriller but falters when it tries to be more.