Our world has been shaped by inequality and classicism, which has led to the discovery of outstanding leaders, justice, and most importantly, our own voices. These are merely some of the topics that have been discussed for thousands of years, in spite of everything, in this modern age of ours, we are still discussing it, disputing it, and rediscovering it. Cinema has often attempted to express its views on various social issues, and in 2019, we witnessed a unique approach to it “The Platform” (“El hoyo,” original title) a Spanish sci-fi thriller on Netflix, which reflected the current situation, emphasizing classicism and various concerns. “The Platform 2” (“El hoyo 2”), which has just been released on Netflix, is a sequel to the original movie.
This sequel’s story revolves around the same theme as its first installment. The story unfolds within the same bleak prison and expands upon it, adding new cellmates Perempuán (Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian) to the mix. Allocating food resources is the same as the concept in its predecessor film. A platform stocked with different food options moves from the top to the bottom floor every day. All the prisoners are provided with enough food. The only way to be at each level is if the top prisoners stick to their requested meals and do not consume other people’s meals, which, of course, is not the case.
Bringing Life to the Franchise
A different era is introduced this time around compared to the one we’ve already seen. Cellmates are required to eat their desired meal to ensure that all prisoners are able to eat. Anyone who violates this rule will face severe punishment. The movie portrays the transformation of peaceful religious organizations into sectarianism in a stunning manner.
Writer/Director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia and his collaborators—David Desola, Pedro Rivero, and Egoitz Moreno—bring life to the franchise. The tension is not due to trying to comprehend the prison itself, but rather to navigate the system enforced by the individuals inside it. The story is better at personalizing its bizarreness. Witnessing the growing violence among prisoners may be the only thing on one’s mind. Despite this, the message had already been received by then. Unfair systems are the foundation of society, which favor and enrich those who “have” over those who don’t.
Gaztelu-Urrutia brings the human struggle for survival seems surreal due to the success in depicting brutal and violent scenes. The audience is reminded of our deep divisions behind society’s superficial layers through each level of the prison cell or pit. Disconnection is prevalent among individuals, not only in prison but also in the real world. Each level’s food represents the wealth and resources we are currently accessing. Fighting over and wasting food shows the extent of people’s brokenness. People can resort to unimaginable measures without humanity if they are left without food and wealth for a minimum of time.
Some Visceral Gore Inhibits the Film
The filmmaking makes it evident that there are only a few changes in this sequel. The director’s preference for close-up shots has not significantly changed, and the visual effects maintain and even improve the distinctive continuity in some sequences. The storytelling is hindered by the reliance on gore and visceral action, but there are some bloody set pieces that do provide a dopamine high. John D. Domínguez’s cinematography captures the inner worlds and emotions of the situation well. The story’s tension, horror, and thrill are heightened by Aitor Etxebarria’s music.
The character of Perempuan, played by Milena Smit, brings both toughness and an emotional vulnerability to the film. Despite the challenges she has faced, Hovik Keuchkerian, the actor portraying Zamiatin, is still optimistic in this film. Together, they form a captivating pair to make this sequel a thrilling experience. The hidden themes of this film can be found in their conversations, human survival is dependent on sacrificing something that lacks humanity because of the lack of trust in the world. The cruelty of human survival is at its most extreme.
A Thought-provoking Sequel
“The Platform 2” is set in the same environment as the first movie, but it is distinct . Even though it depicts violence, survival, and disturbing imagery, it is still a thrilling ride. This film is worth watching due to the performances of the lead characters. This movie is filled with gloom and negativity, but the main characters add hope and emotion. Although the plot may seem repetitive at times, the film’s storyline is enough to challenge most viewers’ moral and intellectual thoughts about humanity.
Although there are some flaws, “The Platform 2” is a worthwhile viewing choice for those who enjoy a thought-provoking film that exposes uncomfortable yet truthful truths about humankind.
You can check this film out on Netflix.
