From the depths of a vertical prison to the complexities of human nature, The Platform 2 takes viewers back to the brutal world of the Pit where survival, morality, and hunger are constantly at odds. But is the sequel just as good as the 2019 hit, or does it merely serve reheated leftovers from its predecessor?
If you’ve already watched The Platform, you know it left us with plenty of questions, from the mechanics of the bizarre prison system to the ultimate fate of Goreng. Now, with The Platform 2, director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia is back, and this time, he’s added religious metaphors to the already grim mix of horror and social commentary. Let’s jump into The Platform 2 review and explore what makes this sequel both familiar and fresh.
The Platform 2 Plot Breakdown: Revisiting the Pit
In The Platform 2, the chilling vertical prison known as the Pit remains the focal point. The system is the same as a platform filled with food that descends through 333 floors, feeding prisoners in descending order. The catch? Prisoners on the top floors feast while those below receive less and less, often resorting to unspeakable acts to survive.
The first film revolved around the glaring inequalities of capitalism, using trickle-down economics as a metaphor. Netflix’s The Platform 2, however, takes a different route, focusing more on human nature and how belief systems can lead to violence and oppression.
Unlike the first film, which leaned heavily into economic metaphors, The Platform 2 shifts its focus to a critique of religious ideology. This time, prisoners have set up strict rules about who can eat what, and breaking those rules results in brutal punishment.
While The Platform 2 might initially seem like a direct continuation, the deeper narrative actually functions as a prequel, with new characters journeying through a changed Pit.
The Cast of The Platform 2: New Faces, New Struggles
What makes The Platform 2 stand out, despite its similarities to the original, is the stellar cast. Milena Smit stars as Perempuán, a guilt-ridden artist who voluntarily enters the Pit as a form of self-punishment. Her emotional vulnerability and tough exterior provide a solid backbone to the film.
Hovik Keuchkerian, known for his role in Money Heist, plays Zamiatin, a muscular, bare-chested inmate who, despite his tough appearance, becomes an unexpected ally to Perempuán. Together, their dynamic adds tension and emotion to the bleak setting.
While the performances of Smit and Keuchkerian shine, it’s their characters’ descent into the moral decay of the Pit that holds your attention. As they battle the self-proclaimed “Loyalists” and try to stick to the twisted rules of the prison, the tension builds toward a violent and confusing climax.
The Platform 2 Review: More of the Same, But Darker
If you’re expecting a happy conclusion or some grand resolution to the mysteries of the Pit, The Platform 2 won’t deliver. Instead, it ramps up the cryptic narrative and ambiguous scenes, keeping you guessing and perhaps frustrating you with more questions than answers.
Some might even argue that the movie deliberately leaves things open-ended to set up yet another sequel. But while the film does repeat some of the shortcomings of the first such as muddling its message in the name of shock value there’s enough fresh content here to keep fans intrigued.
The new twist of enforcing religious-like rules through violence adds a new ethical dilemma. Is it better to sacrifice a few for the sake of many? Can humans ever truly get along when resources are limited? The film touches on these questions, but don’t expect easy answers.
While the plot sometimes feels repetitive, the performances make The Platform 2 above a simple rehash. Both Smit and Keuchkerian bring a raw, gritty energy to their roles, making the film’s more philosophical undertones easier to digest.
Plus, the return of Jon D. Domínguez’s haunting cinematography gives the minimalist setting a personality all its own, heightening the oppressive atmosphere.
The Platform 2 Ending Explained: What Really Happened?
Of course, one of the biggest draws of The Platform 2 is its ending. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, the final moments flip the story on its head. As we learn in the shocking conclusion, The Platform 2 is not a sequel at all but a prequel.
The film’s closing scene shows Goreng, the main character from the original, descending to the bottom of the Pit, where he reunites with Perempuán. The Platform ending explained leaves more questions than answers, as viewers are left to piece together the connections between the two films.
Is Goreng somehow related to Perempuán? Could they have a shared past? And who exactly is the mysterious Master who created the Pit’s laws? These unresolved mysteries make it clear that a potential third installment could go even deeper into the twisted world of the Pit.
Where Can I Watch The Platform 2?
The Platform 2 is available for streaming on Netflix as of October 4, 2024. Netflix’s The Platform 2 is a dark and thrilling ride that explores human nature, morality, and survival. And if you want a taste of what’s to come, the The Platform 2 trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s brutal, dystopian world.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch The Platform 2?
Is The Platform 2 as groundbreaking as its predecessor? Not quite. But it still offers a gripping experience that fans of the first movie will appreciate. The plot may feel repetitive at times, and the film’s cryptic nature could leave some viewers scratching their heads, but the performances, cinematography, and the continuation of the unsettling atmosphere make it a worthy follow-up.
If you’re drawn to movies that make you think or if you just enjoy a good dose of dystopian horror The Platform 2 is worth your time. Just be prepared for a darker, more cynical journey through the Pit, where human nature is both the villain and the victim.
Now, the big question: Will there be a The Platform 3 to answer all our lingering questions? Only time (and Netflix) will tell.