The Platform 2

Is "The Platform 2" a Meal or Just Leftovers?

Diving back into dystopia: Did Netflix's latest sequel serve up a satisfying dish or is it a grim reminder of what was?

Netflix's highly anticipated sequel, "The Platform 2," returns to the grim world that captured our attention during the pandemic, but this time, it misses the mark. The original film blasted its way into our hearts (and into our binge-watching marathons) with its shocking visuals and gripping storytelling about inmates caught in a horrific vertical prison. However, as fellow prisoners of Netflix binge-watching find themselves glued to their screens again, many are left asking if the sequel serves up a well-balanced meal or a plate of cold leftovers.

While "The Platform 2" has its share of thrilling moments, critics are unanimously agreeing that the novelty of the first film simply isn’t replicated. The sequel revisits fighting for food in a bizarre and gruesome setting without adding much new spice to the storyline. Fans might have expected a twist that could rival the surprises of the original; instead, many feel the sequel merely rehashes familiar tropes without satisfying the viewer's cravings for originality. The introduction of new characters like Perempuan (played by the talented Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian) added some flavor, but does it outweigh the blandness of what we’ve seen before?

In this twisted universe where survival pits morality against necessity, our protagonists wrestle not only with their inner demons but also with the unyielding nature of the prison itself. The ending, which promised a shocking twist, leaves viewers quarreling over the finer points of interpretation, igniting discussions about fate, choice, and the ambiguous morality of each character. Audiences that already traversed this dystopian path might feel a touch of disappointment, with some craving the adrenaline rush that characterized the original. But those new to the grim setting might find it a feast for the senses—albeit a bit under-seasoned.

As we delve deeper into the film, it's evident that while Netflix has snapped up this sequel with much anticipation, it might just not have the robust flavor we were hoping for. And for all you trivia buffs, did you know that "The Platform" became a pandemic sensation partly due to its gripping analogy about social stratification? Critics noted that the themes of eating, sharing, and survival resonate deeply, especially in today's challenging social landscape. Plus, the director, Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, is known for his unique approach to storytelling, leading audiences to question the very nature of humanity in extreme conditions. It seems like while the sequel may have fallen flat, the original's legacy continues to haunt our screens!