Netflix's 2019 dystopian thriller The Platform has gripped viewers since its pandemic-era release, with fans calling it a 'rare gem' and 'one of the most original ideas' in recent years, while others warn it is 'not for the weak hearted'. The Spanish-language film, directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, has left audiences divided, with some comparing it to The Twilight Zone and others confessing they think about it long after watching yet would 'never ever watch it again'.
A Dystopian Premise That Captivates
The Platform features a screenplay adapted from a theatre script by David Desola and Pedro Rivero. The film's official plot states: "In a prison where inmates are fed on a descending platform, those on the upper levels take more than their fair share while those below are left to starve on scraps and one man decides to change the system."
The film stars Iván Massagué, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor, Emilio Buale Coka and Alexandra Masangkay. It was filmed chronologically, with lead actor Iván shedding 12 kg (26 lbs) over the six-week shoot to authentically portray his character's physical decline. The stark concrete prison cells were constructed specifically for the production inside a Red Cross facility at a port in Bilbao, northern Spain.
From TIFF to Netflix Success
The Platform made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2019, where it won the People's Choice Award for Midnight Madness. It was at TIFF that the film secured a worldwide streaming deal with Netflix. The film landed in Spanish cinemas on November 8, 2019, going on to earn $1.1 million at the box office, before arriving on Netflix on March 20, 2020, just as the world ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thanks to its pandemic-era release, The Platform resonated enormously with audiences, appearing to hold a mirror up to society's greed at a time when widespread reports of people panic-buying toilet paper, groceries and other essentials were dominating the headlines.
Critical and Audience Reactions
Both audiences and critics have been captivated by the dystopian thriller. One critic cautioned: "The Platform will chew you up and spit you out, yet leave you hungry for more." Another reviewer described it as "a minimalist and unpredictable nightmare that doesn't hesitate to show us the monstrous side of society and human nature."
One critic shared: "The best thing about this simple yet haunting psychological film is what it says about our worlds our status our choices and how it affects others." Another added: "Its political symbolism and economic commentary may be blunt (to put it mildly), but 'The Platform' is delightfully grim and intense."
Audiences have been equally mesmerised, with one fan writing: "Oh this is was a huge surprise. One of the most original ideas in years to be filmed and with an excellent job at bringing it alive on the screen. Not for the weak hearted. Allegorical, dark as hell and masterful." Another viewer's review reads: "Loved it. It feels so good to find something original in this lately boring world of superheroes, remakes, spin-offs, etc. Gore? Oh yes but I have to say that it's necessary for this story. Very interesting characters and plot and you'll want more. There's no hope for humans and/or society but fortunately there's for cinema. Also, bravo Spanish film industry."
One fan said: "Immaculate, Breathtaking. An incredible piece of art, genuinely enjoyed this movie so much. The premise is so interesting and incredibly executed, the cinematography is incredible, the colour psychology and the acting are out of this world." They added: "Truly a petrifying experience that leaves you waiting for a twist of some kind, that simply does not come until the very end. Kind of confusing as well but the pure brilliance of this film makes up for it, a genius idea with genius execution, terrifyingly beautiful. The pacing is incredible as well even though I wish it hadn't ended quite as abruptly as it did. Overall a very enjoyable experience, 10/10."
Meanwhile, one fan described the film as: "Brilliant, original, sobering, heart stopping!" The Platform is available to stream on Netflix.
