On the fateful day of October 4th, Netflix thrust into the world a visceral spectacle: The Platform 2. This Spanish dystopian thriller ventures into the unnerving reimagining of a prison system, transforming it into a towering vertical labyrinth of survival—a self-managed grasp of desperation. The narrative plunges us into the lives of two new cellmates, Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian) and Perempuán (Milena Smit), awakening amidst the claustrophobic confines of level 24.
Strangers in a chillingly sterile environment, these two souls seek guidance from fellow inmates about the enigmatic “pit.” This vast multilevel prison, designed to house two prisoners per level, features a stark square opening at its core, serving as the grim delivery system for sustenance. The ideal scenario, fraught with ambiguity, suggests an equitable meal distribution; however, chaos erupts when a single individual’s greed eclipses the needs of many. Thus, while the upper echelons feast, the lower tiers languish in excruciating hunger.
In a carefully crafted tableau, we witness the opening scenes punctuated by haunting flashbacks of Zamiatin and Perempuán’s initiation interviews. Each is probed by a shadowy figure, their inquiries prying into their favorite foods and personal histories. The choices they make are pivotal; whatever they select is to be served in the cruel lottery of the platform. Zamiatin opts for pizza, whereas Perempuán’s preference leans toward ham croquettes, setting the stage for a grim culinary fate.
On that harrowing first day, the duo learns of the “loyalist’s law,” elucidated by a fellow inmate on level 23. Here, they discover the chilling dictate: each must consume solely their chosen dish unless an agreement for a trade is struck. This stark rule sows seeds of discord among inmates, splitting the population into two warring factions—the Loyalists, rigid enforcers of this hierarchy, and the Barbarians, who subscribe to a more anarchic philosophy of eat, or be eaten. As ideological tensions intensify, violence festers, a visceral commentary on humanity’s instinctual drive for survival.
Loaded with raw, unfiltered gore, The Platform 2 does not shy away from its bloody ballet—oozing crimson, dismembered bodies, and stark nudity dance in a grotesque symphony. Yet, intertwined with this macabre display is a profound inquiry into the psychological toll wrought by utter deprivation. The film encapsulates a nightmarish vision where hunger strips humanity, nudging individuals toward primal instincts. It positions the prison not merely as a holding facility but as an orchestrated experiment, compelling audiences to ponder the very essence and intentions behind this tragic structure.
As we navigate the desolate world borne of this dystopia, the film’s narrative thrusts us toward an allegorical interpretation of contemporary societal frameworks—class stratification illustrated vividly through the oppressive levels of the pit, where power dynamics play out violently. The sharing (or rather, the lack thereof) of sustenance through the platform becomes a metaphor for capitalism’s gnawing bite, a critique of how resources are hoarded by the privileged while the underclass suffers. Though communism isn’t overtly addressed, the rigid practices of the Loyalists echo this ideology’s ideals of equality in consumption. Yet, the challenge lies within The Platform series: balancing its social commentary with engaging character development without veering too far into preachiness.
While the original text manages to intertwine political discourse with rich character arcs, The Platform 2 stumbles, entangled in the web of its own agendas. The film’s obsession with the clash of the Loyalists and Barbarians detracts from its pacing and depth of character exploration. The reliance on dread and fear for recruitment among the Loyalists raises questions about the prisoners’ lack of resistance. Does the film overlook the nuanced prospect of individual dissent? An unsettling immediacy to group dynamics disrupts the flow of its narrative.
For those drawn to sharp political critiques wrapped in a cloak of horror, The Platform 2 presents an intriguing, albeit potentially corny, intrigue. Individuals who cherished the original may find themselves wrestling with disappointment, yet perhaps a fresh lens might unveil insights not immediately visible. If you crave a visceral, gory thrill this Halloween, both installments of The Platform could add a haunting yet thought-provoking touch to your viewing slate.
