The Platform 2. - A Haunting Prequel to a Dystopian Saga / MOVIE REVIEW.

The Platform 2, directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, serves as a gripping prequel to his critically acclaimed The Platform in (2019). Released on October 4, 2024, the Spanish science fiction horror film expands the universe of the Vertical Self-Management Center, a dystopian prison that serves as a grim allegory for societal inequities. Featuring intense performances by Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian, the movie retains the chilling atmosphere and philosophical depth of its predecessor while delving deeper into the psychological and structural horrors of the facility.

 

The prison remains the film’s centerpiece, with its terrifying structure of 333 levels and the ominous central hole through which a descending platform delivers food. This limited resource system creates a brutal hierarchy: inmates on higher levels enjoy abundance, while those below suffer starvation. Every month, prisoners are reassigned to new floors, adding a layer of unpredictability and despair to their already dire circumstances. The platform itself becomes a visceral representation of societal inequality, greed, and survival.

 

Inmates are allowed to bring one personal item, leading to a variety of symbolic and practical tools. These objects often become extensions of the prisoners’ identities and play crucial roles in the unfolding narrative.

 

The story centers on Perempuán, (Milena Smit), whose entry into the prison is motivated by deep personal grief. Haunted by the accidental death of her fiancé’s son, she views her incarceration as penance. Initially placed on level 24, she shares her cell with Zamiatin, (Hovik Keuchkerian), a disillusioned mathematician. Their bond becomes a cornerstone of the narrative, offering moments of humanity and vulnerability amid the chaos.

 

Through Perempuán’s journey, the film explores the moral dilemmas inherent in survival. She begins as a passive participant in the Loyalist system, which promotes fairness through voluntary adherence to rules about food consumption. However, her experiences with the barbaric faction and her encounters with figures like Sahabat and Dagin Babi push her to question these ideals, ultimately leading her to embrace more radical strategies for survival and escape.

 

The Vertical Self-Management Center is a breeding ground for ideological conflicts, with two primary factions: 

 

The Loyalists: Advocates of order and fairness, they follow self-imposed rules to ensure equitable food distribution. Robespierre, a fervent Loyalist, introduces Perempuán to their system, emphasizing the necessity of discipline. However, the Loyalists’ inability to enforce their rules across the prison’s chaotic structure renders their ideology fragile.

 

The Barbarians: A nihilistic group that prioritizes immediate survival over moral codes, the Barbarians embody the prison’s descent into anarchy. Their brutal methods and opportunistic behavior contrast sharply with the Loyalists’ idealism.

 

Caught between these factions, Perempuán evolves into a complex character who manipulates both ideologies to pursue her goals. Her transformation is marked by violence, betrayal, and loss, culminating in her ultimate decision to abandon the system entirely.

 

Zamiatin: The bond between Perempuán and Zamiatin is one of the film’s emotional anchors. Their shared moments of vulnerability and intellectual exchange provide a temporary refuge from the prison’s horrors. Zamiatin’s self-sacrifice on level 180 is a heart-wrenching moment that underscores the lengths to which individuals will go for those they care about.

 

Sahabat: Another significant relationship is with Sahabat, a one-armed survivor with a tragic past. Sahabat’s knowledge of the Anointed Ones and her escape plan involving a toxic oil painting introduce new dimensions to the story. Her brutal death at the hands of Dagin Babi’s faction marks a turning point for Perempuán, fueling her resolve to fight back.

 

Dagin Babi: The ruthless leader of the Anointed Ones, Dagin Babi embodies the prison’s capacity to corrupt even those who claim to uphold higher ideals. His systematic persecution of accused Barbarians highlights the dangers of unchecked power and zealotry.

 

Like its predecessor, The Platform 2 is unflinching in its depiction of humanity’s darker impulses. The prison’s hierarchical structure exacerbates greed, selfishness, and violence, while its randomized floor assignments foster despair and paranoia. Yet, moments of kindness and sacrifice—such as Zamiatin’s protective instincts and Sahabat’s willingness to share her escape plan—serve as reminders of humanity’s capacity for compassion.

 

The film also introduces a chilling revelation about the facility’s manipulation of hope through the use of children. The discovery of a boy on level 333, intended to be a symbol of innocence and redemption, exposes the prison’s insidious strategies to maintain control over its inmates.

 

The climax of The Platform 2 is as haunting as it is thought-provoking. Perempuán’s attempt to escape using the toxic painting leads her to the bottom level, where she encounters the boy. Unable to save him due to the prison’s gravity controls, she sends him back up on the platform, choosing to remain behind. This act, symbolic of both sacrifice and defiance, echoes the themes of hope and futility that permeate the film.

 

In a final twist, the story connects directly to The Platform in (2019), revealing Perempuán’s reunion with Goreng, her ex-fiancé. This connection adds a layer of poignancy, tying her personal guilt to the broader allegory of systemic oppression.

 

Milena Smit delivers a powerhouse performance as Perempuán, capturing the character’s evolution from a grieving woman to a fierce survivor. Hovik Keuchkerian is equally compelling as Zamiatin, imbuing his role with quiet strength and vulnerability.

 

The film’s technical elements—its claustrophobic set design, eerie lighting, and Javi Díaz’s haunting score—enhance its atmosphere of dread. Gaztelu-Urrutia’s direction maintains a relentless pace while balancing the film’s philosophical undertones with visceral horror.

 

The Platform 2 is a worthy prequel that expands on the themes and world of its predecessor. Through its layered storytelling and harrowing depiction of survival, the film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about societal structures, morality, and human nature. While not for the faint-hearted, it is a thought-provoking and deeply impactful addition to the science fiction horror genre.