The Platform 2 Review, A Darker Sequel to 2019 Record-Breaking Sci-Fi Thriller: Record-breaking viewers saw the Platform(2019 hit), an advantage given to this film due to its release time, which coincided with the start of the 2020 lockdown. It seems bizarre that a dull, grave theme science-fiction film, whose plot revolves around being trapped inside a prison with a limited food supply, had garnered so many viewers at that lockdown time.
The 2019 hit fascinated its audiences and horrified some viewers with scenes of violence and human survival. The Platform 2 film does not deviate much from its predecessor, other than an increase in the dramatic violence and new characters.
Premise of Its Predecessor- Platform 2019
The plot of the first record-breaking hit revolves around an imaginative dystopian society. In this futuristic dystopian society, people/prisoners are held in a tower(prison) with cell surveillance on each floor. Each floor has a massive hole through which prisoners can communicate with each other. Once a day, a flying platform with food is lowered through all the prison floors one by one. The prisoners can avail their share of food from that platform. Those prisoners on the top floor get to eat from various options, like a feast celebration. When the platforms come lower to other storeys, the food gradually goes from less to no food when it reaches the bottom floor. Thus, the bottom-floor prisoners are starved and resort to their last option left- cannibalism(eating other humans).
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Plot of The Platform 2
The plot of The Platform 2 revolves around the same story that its predecessor(the 2019 Platform) had. The setting of the story also takes place in the same dull prison. The food resource allocation concept is the same as its predecessor film. Each day, a platform filled with various food options goes from the top to the bottom floor. There is enough food for all the prisoners at each level only if the prisoners at the top level stick to their requested meals and do not eat other people’s meals, which, of course, doesn’t happen.
However, the sequel introduces a different era from its 2019 original. Cellmates only have to eat their requested meal so all prisoners can have food. Anyone who breaks this rule will be severely punished.
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia directs the film and stars the lead roles of Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian.
The Platform 2- A sequel or a remake of its predecessor?
The sequel takes forward its predecessor concept and builds its story, introducing new characters, Perempuan( Milena Smit) and Zamiatin( Hovik Keuchkerian). The sequel also witnesses a different time when strict rules are made to ensure every prisoner can eat.
This revolutionary note is a positive and hopeful rule in how the film starts. The horrifying and pale setting of the pit is instantly recognizable, reminding audiences of its first part. One character in the film defines this rule by saying that the higher a prisoner is(top floor), the more responsibility they have. Prisoners are severely punished if they do not abide by this rule.
This significant difference feels like fresh air in the franchise, along with the new cast. Unlike the first part, now the tension and pace of the story are maintained by the audience trying to figure out how the prisoners will enforce this new rule within it. Most people spent much time understanding the prison dynamics in the 2019 record-breaking part.
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Performances of lead characters
While The Platform 2, sometimes, as the film progresses, can feel like a remake of its first part, the performances kept it different. Milena Smit’s Perempuan character brings toughness and emotionally-vulnerable factor to the film. Hovik Keuchkerian, who plays Zamiatin, is a strong personality who has some hope in this film despite the struggles he has endured. Together, they both create a compelling pair to make this sequel a dramatic treat. Their conversations bring out this film’s hidden themes, such as there is nothing like trust in the world anymore and human survival is based on sacrificing something that has no humanity in it. Human survival is cruel at its peak.
A reminder of the broken society?
The Platform 2 succeeds in depicting brutal, violent scenes, and the human struggle for survival seems surreal. Each level of the cell prison or pit reminds the audience how divided we all are behind the superficial layers of society. How disconnected people are not only in prison but in reality, too. The food that comes down on each level symbolizes the wealth and resources we all are currently availing. When that food is fought over and wasted because of the fights, it shows how broken people are. If people are left without food and wealth for a minimum of 3 days, they can resort to unimaginable measures with no humanity in them.
Final Thoughts
The Platform 2 is not on the same level of appreciation as its predecessor. However, with all the brutal depictions of violence, survival, and some disturbing imagery, it is still a thrilling ride. The performances of the lead characters make this film a must-watch. The characters of Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian bring hope and heart to this film, which is otherwise filled with despair and negative energy. The plot seems repetitive sometimes, but the film has enough storyline to question most viewers’ moral and intellectual thoughts on humanity.
Despite some shortcomings, The Platform 2 is a worthy watch for people who like to watch a thought-provoking movie that presents themselves with uncomfortable yet honest truths about human nature.
The Platform 2 will be streaming on Netflix starting Friday, 4th October.
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