The Platform 2 (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The original The Platform (2019) took the world by storm with its unique and harrowing depiction of a dystopian prison where survival instincts and human greed led to a chilling social experiment. Fast forward to 2024, and director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia returns with The Platform 2, promising to delve even deeper into the chaos of “The Pit.”
For fans of dystopian sci-fi horror, this sequel arrives with both anticipation and trepidation. Will it build upon the brutal simplicity of the original or fall victim to the pitfalls that many sequels face? Let’s explore The Platform 2, and more importantly, where you can watch it online.
What is The Platform 2 About?
Set in the same dystopian vertical prison as its predecessor, The Platform 2 introduces us to new characters, new conflicts, and a stricter set of rules governing the way prisoners behave. The Pit’s premise remains the same: food is delivered via a platform that descends through levels, from top to bottom. The higher you are, the better your chances of survival, as the food supply diminishes the further it travels.
The new protagonists—Perempuán (played by Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian)—find themselves thrust into a system that’s more organized but equally terrifying. A new social order has emerged, where each prisoner must eat only the food they requested. Yet, as one might expect in this harsh world, such rules are fragile, and chaos looms just below the surface.
The moral and philosophical debates in The Platform 2 are immediate and intense. By the 40-minute mark, the film confronts the audience with shocking acts of self-sacrifice and violence, all while exploring themes of survival, justice, and societal power structures.
How Does The Platform 2 Compare to the Original?
The brilliance of The Platform was its simplicity—a social experiment that was both metaphorical and visceral. The Platform 2, while familiar, attempts to expand on the universe established by the first film. This time, the filmmakers delve into more religious and philosophical themes, exploring the tyranny of self-proclaimed “anointed ones” and the brutal enforcement of law within the prison.
However, the sequel does face some narrative challenges. As it introduces new characters and systems, the pacing can feel disjointed. The film moves quickly between moments of deep philosophical inquiry and sudden, chaotic violence. Some may feel that the sequel dilutes the sharpness of the original’s message, while others may appreciate the more complex world-building.
Visually, the film retains much of the concrete, cold atmosphere of the original, with the cinematography reinforcing the grim, claustrophobic environment. The oppressive weight of The Pit is palpable, though some viewers might feel that the visual style lacks the freshness of the first film.
Where to Watch The Platform 2 Online
As of its release on October 4, 2024, The Platform 2 is available for streaming on Netflix. Netflix remains the primary platform for this film, following the success of the original, which gained a massive following during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Streaming Services Available:
- Netflix – The Platform 2 is streaming exclusively on Netflix, making it the go-to platform for viewers across the globe, including the U.S. Netflix has global streaming rights for the film.
- Amazon Prime Video – While The Platform 2 is not available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, users can expect rental or purchase options through Amazon’s platform after its Netflix exclusivity window ends.
- Apple TV – Similar to Google Play, The Platform 2 is expected to be available for rent or purchase on Apple TV in the near future.
For now, Netflix remains the only service where you can watch The Platform 2 immediately upon release.
Themes Explored in The Platform 2
One of the most striking aspects of The Platform 2 is its exploration of power dynamics and human nature in extreme conditions. The film touches upon themes such as:
- Class and Social Hierarchy: The vertical structure of the prison continues to serve as a metaphor for societal inequality. Those at the top benefit from an abundance of resources, while those at the bottom struggle to survive. This system amplifies the harsh realities of class disparity and privilege.
- Religious Zealotry: New characters, such as the blind messiah Dagin Babi (Óscar Jaenada), introduce themes of religious extremism and false prophets. The film questions how systems of belief can be manipulated to control and subjugate others.
- Survival and Selfishness: Much like the first film, The Platform 2 delves into the selfish nature of human survival. Despite the introduction of stricter rules, the temptation to act selfishly is ever-present, highlighting the fragility of communal living under duress.
Final Thoughts: Is The Platform 2 Worth Watching?
If you were captivated by the original The Platform, you will likely find something to appreciate in The Platform 2. While it may not have the same sharpness or narrative cohesion as the first, it successfully expands upon the universe, introducing new characters and deeper philosophical dilemmas.
With a darker tone and more intricate world-building, The Platform 2 is a thought-provoking dystopian horror that questions the limits of law, order, and survival. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for fans of the genre, it delivers a harrowing and, at times, brutal cinematic experience.
