Watch The Platform

The Platform is a Spanish science fiction-thriller film that was released on Netflix in 2020. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, the film takes place in a vertical prison with an unknown number of levels, called "The Hole". The prison is a dystopian society with a central platform that is used to provide food for all the inmates. The Platform is a movie that shines a light on the gaping chasm between the well-off and the underprivileged in society.

The main character of the story is Goreng, played by Ivan Massagué. He decides to voluntarily enter the prison to quit smoking and wants to read Don Quixote, hoping the solitude will help him focus. He arrives on Level 48 of the prison. Goreng's cellmate, Trimagasi, who is an elderly man, explains to him how the prison works. "The Hole" is a vertical prison with two people per cell, with the number of levels in the prison unknown. Every day, a gourmet feast prepared by top chefs is lowered through the centre of the platform from the top level. However, as it is lowered, the remains of the food on each level are collected, causing those on the lower levels to receive less food, and often none at all. "The Platform" is a story of survival and what it reveals about human nature and hierarchy within society.

The film is centred around a social experiment that becomes a battle for survival. The Platform is not only a prison, but it is also a commentary on the class struggle, where people at the top have the advantage, while those at the bottom suffer and build resentment towards their privileged counterparts. As the plot progresses, the audience is forced to confront the harsh reality of social inequality in our world.

"The Platform" also includes a political commentary in a dystopian world of greed, so many have been divided and left behind. Food is the central theme of the movie, as it is the only resource available to the inmates. Those on the higher levels gorge themselves, leaving none for those on the bottom levels. It is a clever commentary on the wealth gap in our society, where the rich continuously get richer at the expense of the poor.

The performances by the cast are stellar, and they are helped by the incredible set design and area. The prison is a concrete, windowless, cylindrical tower with occasional platforms for the inmates to climb to different levels. The platform changes every day, and the inmates are randomly reassigned to different levels every month. The designers have done an excellent job, evoking feelings of entrapment and desperation, making it a perfect fit for the film.

The plot of the movie takes a significant turn when two inmates arrive on Goreng's floor who are trying to send a message to the administration and spread change in the prison. Gaztelu-Urrutia expertly navigates through the storyline, keeping the audience on their toes with the sudden twists and turns that take place in the film.

The film does an excellent job of balancing the entertainment value of the story with its important messages. Although it has many moments of humour, it also addresses injustice, dystopia, and societal evils. The platform serves as a symbol of the environment that created this mess, where the rich drown themselves in a sea of luxury, while the poor struggle to survive.

The film has been hailed by many as a modern-day classic for the thought-provoking commentary on society that it offers. It brings into light many issues that plague our world, such as food inequality and the struggle of impoverished people. It is not only an excellent thriller, but it also sparks a dialogue on how we as a society value different people in our midst. The film's powerful message and relevant themes have made it a must-watch for many audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, "The Platform" is a thought-provoking and intense movie that should be appreciated for its astute social commentary and how it deals with the ideas of hierarchy, greed and inequality. It is a stunning spectacle with excellent direction, profound thematic messaging and is a brilliant commentary on the world we live in today. The suspense and thrill of the film keep the audience engaged until the end, making it a must-watch for lovers of dystopian and thriller movies.

The Platform is a series that ran for 3 seasons (28 episodes) between September 3, 2020 and on Netflix