Not every film requires a follow-up. Even though I thought “The Platform” was a fantastic film when it first came out on Netflix in early 2020, it seemed like the classic “one and done” film. I felt conflicted about the announcement of a sequel.
After returning to the Pit myself, I opted to watch “The Platform 2” on Netflix when it became available. As an aside, I watched it while having breakfast. Avoid recommending.) I’m happy to report that “The Platform 2” deftly expands upon its predecessor to deliver precisely what I desired in a sequel.
Despite certain issues, like an excessively vague third act, “The Platform 2” seems destined for cult status and is poised to emerge as a true gem in Netflix’s expanding collection of foreign films. This is why it’s a satisfying dinner that I would definitely get again.
My greatest concern going into “The Platform 2” was that it wouldn’t stand on its own.
For those who are not familiar with the first film, “The Platform 2” is set within The Pit, a 333-story tall towerblock prison. Every day, prisoners fill their faces for two minutes with food that floats on a platform that passes through the floors. While those below subsist on scraps, those on the upper floors feast.
I was worried going into this sequel that “The Platform” could have gone too far with this really fascinating central idea. Mankind’s self-centeredness is seen through the eyes of the first film’s protagonist, Goreng (Iván Massagué), and we get to witness the prison from several floors (inmates are rotated between levels at random every month). I simply didn’t know how much farther “The Platform 2” could go or how to keep it from getting boring.
The Pit is essentially the same in “The Platform 2,” but people have changed rather than the repressive institution. After being tossed into the Pit, prisoners are only allowed to eat the one meal they ordered from the platform, according to a new rule that has been implemented by a group inside the prison.
Those who take more than their fair share in violation of this rule will face quick retaliation. Our new heroes, Perempuan (Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian), are swiftly brought up to speed on these “laws” and turn become the rules’ own enforcers, trying to convince the dubious prisoners who aren’t following them of a more equitable way to live in this horrible place.
As a result, “The Platform 2” may now more freely discuss what occurs when a group of individuals band together to work toward a better society as a whole, rather than being about a single main character struggling to survive inside a system that encourages self-preservation. Even when “The Platform 2” is revisiting the same area, its minor deviation maintains the attention of the viewer.
It’s safe to assume that this sequel won’t appeal to you if you didn’t like “The Platform.” Additionally, don’t even try to watch this movie first if you haven’t seen the first one. “The Platform 2” is very much meant to be continued and offers no accommodations for those who are unfamiliar with it. Numerous callbacks and references can be found in this.
“The Platform 2” can be fairly filthy at times, not to mention extremely brutal, but it’s all in service of the tale. The movie “The Platform 2” has a lot to offer those who are interested in delving into the film’s deeper issues. While its critiques of our capitalist system are not subtle, they are valid. Just keep in mind that there are many unanswered narrative aspects, so don’t expect to find the answers to everything.
Character development is another area where “The Platform 2” excels. The sequel is allowed to take its time developing the flawed characters at the heart of its intricate plot, whereas the original film concentrated on The Pit itself and felt a little thinly sketched.
