The Shawshank Redemption’s 2 Big Ending Plot Holes Show Exactly Why The Movie Is Perfect

Narrative inconsistencies and storytelling gaps may make a lot of movies less commendable, but The Shawshank Redemption‘s plot holes only prove how perfect it is. Despite being released over three decades ago, The Shawshank Redemption remains a timeless classic and is often touted as one of the best films ever made. However, like most popular films, the Stephen King adaptation has been consistently discussed by viewers and critics, leading to some noticing plot holes in the thrilling final twist.

Since movies, shows, books, and other mediums of storytelling only have limited time and space to unfold their narratives, one can notice plot holes even in some of the most well-rounded and meticulously crafted tales. Two of The Shawshank Redemption‘s plot holes, however, are often discussed by viewers, adding some credibility to them. Fortunately, instead of dragging the film down, these plot holes serve as reminders of the movie’s brilliance.

The Shawshank Redemption’s 2 Major Ending Plot Holes Explained

The Placement Of Andy’s Poster & The Sound Of His Digging

One major Shawshank Redemption ending plot hole, which is often discussed among viewers, is Andy’s mode of exit from his jail cell. The movie’s final twist reveals that Andy dug a hole in his cell’s wall and covered it with a poster to keep it hidden. Even after he exited through the hole, it took days for the prison’s authorities to figure out how he left because it was covered by the poster. However, this has made many viewers wonder how he reattached the poster over the hole after climbing out of it into the tunnel. Another plot hole revolves around Andy’s modus operandi for digging the hole.

Since Andy used a tiny rock hammer to chip into the wall and gradually create the hole, many have questioned why no one heard him hammering the wall. To make the hole big enough for him to escape, Andy must have spent countless hours digging into the concrete with his tiny hammer. Although background noises in the prison might have covered the noise from his hammer on some occasions, he might have generated enough noise on other days to raise some attention. However, as convincing as these plot holes may seem, there is a logical explanation for both.

Both Shawshank Redemption Plot Holes Have Very Obvious Solutions

Shawshank Redemption Offers Subtle Explanations For Both “Plot Holes”

When it comes to the first plot hole, revolving around the reattachment of Andy’s poster, the solution is rather simple: Andy only pinned the top of the poster to the wall. This allowed him to create a flap he could easily lift whenever he had to chip the concrete with his hammer. Even after the hole was big enough for him to escape, he merely lifted the bottom of the flap and exited his cell. After he entered the tunnels, gravity did its thing, and the bottom of the poster fell back on top of the hole.

The answer to the second plot hole lies in one of the opening moments of The Shawshank Redemption. Andy touches his cell’s wall in one scene and realizes that it is slightly damp and worn out. This scene establishes that the softness in the wall must have absorbed some sound from Andy’s hammer. Andy also takes years to make the hole, establishing that he patiently took his time to dig into the wall with his tiny hammer. The movie also reveals that even Andy’s hammer had become more blunt over time from the constant digging, which also would have further diminished the noise produced from striking.

The Shawshank Redemption’s Plot Holes Prove How Good The Movie Really Is

The Plot Holes Prove Shawshank Redemption Is More Than A Prison Break Story

Even if these solutions are not thoughtful or convincing enough for some viewers, the fact that these “plot holes” are the only negative aspects of the film speaks volumes about the quality of the other elements in its story. It proves that The Shawshank Redemption is otherwise so uplifting, powerful, and near-perfect that one has to look into trivial details to notice a semblance of flaws in its narrative. Therefore, even if these plot holes exist in The Shawshank Redemption, it is easy to overlook them and focus more on the moving tale of hope, companionship, and freedom it presents.