The Platform 2 Review: Brutal, Dark, Yet Predictable Journey Through Human Despair

In The Platform 2, Netflix’s follow-up to its 2019 hit, the vertical prison system that fascinated and horrified audiences returned. This time, new inmates must navigate the same brutal survival game where those at the top feast, and those below fight over scraps. With the addition of more complex social dynamics, and new faces like Milena Smit’s Perempuan and Hovik Keuchkerian’s Zamiatin, we’re thrown into another round of societal decay and moral quandaries. But does this sequel add anything new to the mix, or is it simply revisiting the same territory?

The film, directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutias, has a runtime of 100 minutes.

-No Spoilers-

The Platform 2 Review

The Platform 2 builds on the original’s commentary on greed and power, presenting a more organized resistance while maintaining the intense suspense that kept audiences hooked the first time around. The Pit remains a merciless arena where food, survival, and control are all linked, and once again, we’re left questioning whether true altruism can exist in such a hellish environment. The stakes are higher, the violence is grittier, and the desperation feels more palpable than ever.

Although the concept of survival in a dystopian setting isn’t new for Netflix, The Platform 2 still manages to hit the right notes of horror and tension. The claustrophobic atmosphere of the Pit and the ever-present threat of violence keeps the suspense alive, and while some might argue that it doesn’t fully reinvent the narrative from the first film, it still offers enough thrills to keep you on the edge of your seat. The psychological games played between characters and the constant fear of starvation or betrayal leave you wondering who will make it out alive.

The story kicks off with Perempuan, a new inmate, thrown into the Pit’s hellish existence. From the moment she arrives, it’s clear that this isn’t just about survival anymore. There’s a growing movement of rebellion brewing within the prison, with key figures like Zamiatin pushing for change. However, as in the first film, the line between hope and hopelessness is razor-thin. The platform arrives, laden with food, but only the strong and the quick will benefit, leaving the rest to fight over the remains.

This new chapter introduces more layers of complexity when it comes to the dynamics of power. The introduction of a mysterious leader who seeks to impose control adds a fresh layer of tension, questioning whether anyone can truly hold power in such a chaotic environment without becoming a monster themselves. And, just like in the original, the characters are forced to confront the grim reality that no matter how hard they fight, they may never escape the Pit’s dehumanizing grasp.

While the film’s plot sometimes feels like a retread of the first, the performances keep it engaging. Milena Smit’s Perempuan brings a level of vulnerability and toughness to the film that anchors it emotionally. Hovik Keuchkerian, as Zamiatin, plays a hardened, battle-worn inmate with a flicker of hope, despite the horrors he has endured. Together, they create a dynamic that is both compelling and tragic. Their interactions reflect the larger themes of the movie—trust is fleeting, and survival often means sacrificing what little humanity remains.

Although the movie can feel long at times, with moments that drag or repeat beats from the first film, the performances manage to pull you back in. Much like The Platform, this sequel thrives on the tension between its characters, and the actors deliver with intensity and conviction, keeping you invested in their fates.

Where The Platform 2 excels is in its brutal and unflinching depiction of violence and survival. Each level of the Pit serves as a grim reminder of how disconnected and divided we are, not only in the prison but in the real world. The food descending from the platform is a metaphor for wealth and resources, and the way it is hoarded, wasted, or fought over speaks volumes about the broken systems that exist in society today.

However, while the violence and bloodshed make for gripping viewing, the film does sometimes overindulge in shock value, which can desensitize the audience after a while. There are only so many times you can watch a gruesome fight over food before the impact begins to wane. This is where The Platform 2 could have benefited from tighter pacing or perhaps a deeper exploration of its themes, rather than relying on the same violent spectacle.

The Platform 2 Review: Final Thoughts

The Platform 2 doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, but it’s still a thrilling and brutal ride through a dystopian nightmare. The performances, particularly from Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian, elevate the film, bringing heart and grit to a story that’s otherwise filled with despair. While it does feel repetitive at times, especially for those who watched the first film, there’s enough tension and moral questioning to keep you engaged.

For fans of the original, this sequel offers more of what made the first film compelling, with added layers of rebellion and the enduring question of whether anyone can truly escape the system. Despite its flaws, The Platform 2 is worth a watch for anyone looking for a dark, thought-provoking thriller that pushes its characters—and viewers—to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature.

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