“THE PLATFORM”

THE STORY – After a young mother murders her family in her own house, a single mother and detective tries to investigate and solve the case. Later, she discovers the house is cursed by a vengeful ghost that dooms those who enter it with a violent death.

THE CAST – Iván Massagué, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor, Emilio Buale Coka & Alexandra Masangkay

THE TEAM – Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia (Director), David Desola & Pedro Rivero​
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THE RUNNING TIME – 94 Minutes

3/25/2020
By Josh Williams

​​”The Platform” is a science-fiction horror film where it seems the concept may be more interesting than the actual execution of the project, but that’s not the case. “The Platform” has plenty of questions that get asked throughout the film that are never necessarily answered but it’s enjoyable to ponder them throughout the runtime. It also has a bit more meat on the bones in terms of themes than your average film in this genre.
 
The performances from the ensemble of actors are all excellent and incredibly physical in terms of performance. The dialogue is well crafted proving the acting and writing as an excellent one-two punch for the film. The only real detriment to the project is that it never fully realizes its full potential. While everything it offers is interesting to watch and think about, it never reaches a true poignant answer – which in an oddly poetic way, feels fitting for this particular film.
 
Set in the not too distant future, “The Platform” takes place in a prison that the prisoners simply refer to as “the pit.” The pit is a massive structure with an unknown amount of floors with two prisoners on each floor. Every day a platform carrying food meant for every prisoner on every floor travels from the first set of prisoners to the last set. However, the prisoners on the higher floors eat much more than needed, leaving the prisoners on the lower floors to starve or resort to something much more desperate.
 
“The Platform” is an intriguing movie with a lot of really solid foundation building. What’s going on inside the pit is a mystery and forces the viewer to take most things at face value. The big talking point of the story and its theme that’s continuously reiterated is how the prisoners on the higher floors eat much more than they need leaving the prisoners on the lower floors to starve. 
 
Newest prisoner Goreng, played by Ivan Massagué, tries to make a difference and change the way of life the prisoners know. The prisoners above think lesser of the prisoners below and don’t have any respect for them, nor do they feel the need to listen to those below them and vice versa. The story’s main theme focuses on people needing to concentrate on breaking class barriers and showing kindness to fellow humans even if you don’t know them. 
 
“The Platform” is a bit graphic in terms of violence and could be tough on those with a weak stomach. The production design of the actual platform with all of the food is astounding to look at as well as disgusting. But this design element does add to the overall theme of how those in higher positions have little to no care for those in lower positions. 
 
The strongest elements are the performances and script. Every member of the ensemble gives a very physical performance; a lot of contorting, moving quickly, yelling and twisting. Despite some more unknown names, Massagué in the lead, Antonia San Juan, Emilio Buale Coka, and Zorion Eguileor in supporting roles are all excellent throughout. Even though a majority of the script is full of questions being asked, each performer does a great job of making the interactions between each other feel genuine. The shift in their eyes and tone of voice specifically rings true through the entire runtime.
 
The only real downside to “The Platform” is it lacks a bit of a conclusion. Questions arise throughout the film, then the characters start taking some action to make the system of the platform itself fairer. But once we arrive at the ending, we’re left feeling a little hollow. Other than that, “The Platform” is pretty great. It has all of the makings to be a great cult classic filled with violence, weirdness and poignant themes. It’s a solid film and worth watching during this time of quarantine.