This Spanish-language movie, The Platform was released in 2019. Although it is categorized as horror and thriller, it is horror in the real sense. It depicts the true cruelty of life, which we all prefer not to see. Therefore, it is not among the films that provide pure entertainment. Instead, it falls into the category of films that highlight human helplessness on the one hand and their selfishness and greed on the other, creating tension and restlessness.
Unveiling the Enigmatic Setting
The Platform begins with scenes of the protagonist waking up in a multilevel building. This building, without stairs and balconies, resembles a prison where escape is impossible. Two people are placed on each floor, rendered unconscious at the beginning of every month through the building’s automatic system, and sent to a new floor in the morning. The film’s protagonist, Goreng, applies to come to this building, but not everyone comes willingly.
Through a slab, a table full of food descends from the top to the bottom and rests for a moment on each floor. So the floor becomes the platform. The person on the floor then eats, if they can, before the lift reaches the lower floors. Since there are approximately three hundred floors in the building, by the time the lift reaches the 50th or 60th floor, there is no food left. If the lift goes down, it doesn’t mean anything. Those on the lower floors will have something to eat, while others will get nothing. The question is whether this system can be changed and if everyone can have enough to eat.
Are you a communist?
This question is asked of Goreng. The film has a lot, and not everything can be explained.
Societal Reflections and an Open-Ended Narrative
This approximately one and a half-hour film creates such curiosity and suspense that you don’t realize when it ends. In 2019, The Platform won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Critics have praised the film, and the movie has received many interpretations. Some see the building as a representation of hell, with occupants bearing the fruits of their sins. Others engage in discussions about Eden and the apple, exploring the film’s nuanced layers
While undoubtedly reflecting the class structure of society, the film remains open-ended in its purpose, allowing viewers and critics ample room for interpretation. Those keen on crime and suspense will find the film enjoyable. If violent scenes do not disturb you and you are intrigued by societal structures, “The Platform” is unquestionably worth watching and contemplating.
(As of now, the movie has a 7.0 rating on IMDB by more than 250k people.)