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The Unexpected Success of ‘The Platform’
Imagine being a director who, after a modest release in theaters, sees your film become a sensation once it’s added to Netflix’s vast library. This is the story of Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, whose directorial debut initially went unnoticed despite winning accolades such as the Best Film at the Sitges Festival and Best Special Effects at the Goya Awards. Though it grossed €215,000 at the box office, it wasn’t until Netflix included it in their offerings that the film truly found its audience. Five years later, Netflix has taken the plunge to produce a sequel to this popular horror and sci-fi thriller.
From Sleeper Hit to Netflix Favorite
The film in question is The Platform (original title: El hoyo), a Spanish feature that has claimed the fourth spot among the most-watched non-English films in Netflix’s history. Featuring performances by Ivan Massagué and Antonia San Juan, the film takes viewers into a dystopian future where humans are trapped in a vertical prison with a gaping hole in the center. Every day, a platform filled with food descends, but those at the top feast while those below starve, creating a brutal struggle for survival.
This commentary on class struggle landed on the streaming platform in March 2020, coinciding with the global pandemic. Audiences quickly embraced its dark narrative, with an astonishing 82.8 million viewers tuning in to unravel its enigmatic plot. These impressive stats prompted Netflix to green-light a sequel, The Platform 2, set to premiere on Friday, October 4th.
The Next Chapter: Bigger and Bolder
The sequel stars Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian in leading roles, joined by Natalia Tena and Óscar Jaenada as part of the main cast. Although Netflix has kept the official synopsis under wraps, they hint at a gripping plot involving a mysterious leader who imposes harsh regulations within a violent hierarchy of prison cells. The new arrival aims to challenge this questionable food distribution system.
In the days leading up to its release, the film closed out the San Sebastián Film Festival with a special screening. Andrea Zamora, a correspondent for 123moviesful covering the festival, states that the sequel begins with a “settled social order” that soon spirals into total chaos. Unlike its predecessor, this installment is said to be “more bloody, brutal, and violent“, introducing elements of religion that intertwine with the law, giving rise to a new mythology within the prison’s walls.
Anticipation Builds for Netflix’s New Release
It seems the film’s journey through San Sebastián could signal yet another triumph for Netflix. Audiences worldwide are excited to see how the story continues. Check out the trailer of the film above and prepare to be captivated again by both deliveries available on Netflix’s extensive catalog. With its unique blend of horror and social commentary, ‘The Platform 2’ has set the stage for viewers to revisit and explore this chilling universe.
