“The Platform 2” is the sequel to the Spanish-language dystopian thriller that gripped the pandemic-stricken world by storm. In the original picture, prisoners were confined to hundreds of levels of isolated concrete cells, awaiting a floating big slab of food—a scene that hauntingly matched the cramped existence many encountered during lockdowns. But does the sequel measure up to the lofty bar set by its predecessor? Let’s dissect it:
The Mechanics of Despair: Just like in the first film, the detained persons in “The Platform 2” are still trapped in a vertical prison. They progress from level to level, with higher levels offering richer food and lower levels promising hunger.
New creases emerge: Perempuan (played by Milena Smit) wakes up to find Zamiatan (Hovik Keuchkerian) sharing her cell on level 24. They each have their chosen food—croquettes for her, pizza for him.
The inmates seek to construct an equitable system: You can only eat your chosen food, and trading is allowed. But this system proves terribly defective.
Confusion and Opacity:
Unfortunately, “The Platform 2” suffers from confusion. It takes too long to realize why Perempuan is there, and the enforcers of the system—the Loyalists, overseen by the blind and violent Anointed One, Dagin Babi (Ken Appledorn)—remain opaque.
Religious symbolism and allusions to varying circles of hell add to the murkiness but don’t give insightful world-building.
What Is It Really About?
The film’s message remains ambiguous. Is it a statement on how even egalitarian institutions can lead to cold crackdowns? Or does it condemn COVID lockdowns, indicating that puritanical seclusion infringed on people’s rights?
Unfortunately, “The Platform 2” doesn’t offer a clear explanation. Instead, it rehashes premonitions and metaphors from the first film without adding much new material.
The Verdict:
While the sequel has improved filmmaking acumen—acting, lighting, pacing—it falls into the trap of being a glorified remake rather than a true sequel.
It dissolves into a murky sludge of color gels, religious symbolism, and callbacks, weakening the effect of its original subject.
In summation, “The Platform 2” may not achieve the same heights as its predecessor. It needs greater character development and a clearer thematic focus. But hey, at least it’s raw and confrontational, even if it blunders along the way! 🍿🔍