The Platform is a bold, dystopian thriller that pushes boundaries with its brutal commentary on human nature, power dynamics, and class inequality. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, this Spanish film sets its chilling narrative within a vertical prison known as the Vertical Self-Management Center (VSC). The story centers on Goreng, who volunteers to enter the VSC in exchange for a diploma, only to discover a nightmarish system where food is distributed via a descending platform. Those at the top feast, while those below are left with scraps—or nothing at all. The prisoners are moved randomly between levels each month, ensuring that no one stays comfortable for long.
For anyone seeking a thought-provoking and unsettling thriller, The Platform is available on Soap2day. You can also find more hard-hitting, dystopian films for free movies. The film’s unique concept and disturbing social critique will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Powerful Performances and Unsettling Themes
The performances in The Platform are key to bringing its grim narrative to life. Iván Massagué stars as Goreng, and his portrayal of a man descending into desperation and madness is haunting. The supporting cast includes Zorion Eguileor as Trimagasi, a sinister yet philosophical fellow prisoner, and Alexandra Masangkay as Miharu, a mysterious woman searching for her lost child. Each character represents different social archetypes, reflecting the film’s broader critique of capitalism and societal hierarchy. Director Gaztelu-Urrutia's decision to cast comedic actors in dramatic roles adds an unexpected layer of irony and surrealism, helping balance the film's weighty subject matter.
Gaztelu-Urrutia’s direction is sharp and immersive, using minimal settings to create maximum tension. The concrete prison cells, the platform laden with food, and the minimal lighting all emphasize the claustrophobic, dehumanizing nature of the VSC. The descent of the platform itself becomes a visual metaphor for the collapse of solidarity in times of scarcity. With themes of greed, survival, and societal apathy, the film doesn’t shy away from depicting the extreme measures people will take to survive in a broken system.
Critical Acclaim and Reception
The Platform achieved significant success both critically and commercially, especially considering its relatively small production scale. Released internationally on Netflix, it garnered over 56 million views within its first month, making it one of the platform's most-watched films. Critically, it received an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.0/10 on IMDb. The film also won the People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, affirming its popularity among festival audiences and genre fans.
Although the box office take was modest due to its streaming-focused release, The Platform grossed over $1 million internationally. Despite its niche appeal, the film’s success proves that horror and science fiction can be powerful vehicles for social commentary, especially in the streaming age.
A Visual and Philosophical Experience
Visually, The Platform is stark and unnerving. The prison’s vertical structure and the gradual descent of the platform filled with increasingly ravaged food highlight the extreme disparity between those at the top and those at the bottom. The film’s minimalist production design adds to its sense of isolation, while the use of visual effects subtly enhances the endless nature of the prison. The meticulous presentation of lavish, gourmet food at the top levels contrasts harshly with the starvation and cannibalism at the lower levels, further underscoring the film's brutal critique of economic inequality.
The ending of The Platform leaves viewers with plenty to ponder. Goreng's final choice to send a child to the top as a message, rather than the uneaten dish, speaks to the film’s larger philosophical questions. What does it mean to truly challenge the system? Can a message from those below ever truly change the minds of those in power? These questions linger long after the credits roll, making The Platform one of the most thought-provoking films in recent memory.
Conclusion and Personal Rating
The Platform is a harrowing examination of power, greed, and survival that will stay with you long after watching. Available on Soap2day, this film is a must-watch for fans of dystopian thrillers and psychological horror. Its blend of intense visuals, strong performances, and biting social commentary makes it a standout in modern genre filmmaking.
Personal Rating
I would give The Platform a strong 8.5/10. The film’s unique setting, relentless pacing, and deep exploration of human behavior under duress make it a fascinating and disturbing watch. It’s a film that challenges viewers not only to look at the brutality on screen but to reflect on the systems we live within, and how far we are willing to go when pushed to the brink.
