The Platform 2

Inside The Platform 2: Netflix’s Dystopian Sequel Expands Its Brutal Universe

The Platform 2 (2024) arrived on Netflix in October, bringing back the claustrophobic horror and biting social commentary of its predecessor—but this time, director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia promised a story "full of surprises, obstacles, and new challenges" . The sequel, a prequel in disguise, has already sparked debate over its political messaging and whether it lives up to the original’s ruthless efficiency. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know about the making of the film, its reception, and the creative risks behind its return to the vertical prison.

**A Prequel in Disguise: The Twist Behind *The Platform 2***

Despite its title, The Platform 2 isn’t a direct continuation of the 2019 film. Instead, it’s a prequel, set in the same nightmarish facility but exploring an earlier chapter of its dystopian history . The shift in timeline was a deliberate choice by Gaztelu-Urrutia, who aimed to expand the universe while avoiding a straightforward sequel’s pitfalls. "We started shooting the film full of excitement, eager to expand the universe of The Platform with a plot full of surprises," the director told Netflix’s Tudum .

The original The Platform followed prisoners trapped in a towering vertical jail, where food descended on a platform level by level, exposing the brutal hierarchy of human survival. The Platform 2 retains the core premise but introduces new characters and rules, hinting at the system’s origins. The cast includes returning faces like Zorion Eguileor (who played the enigmatic Trimagasi in the first film) alongside fresh leads Milena Smit (The Mother) and Hovik Keuchkerian (Money Heist), suggesting a mix of continuity and reinvention .

**Political Commentary vs. Storytelling: The Divide Over *The Platform 2***

The film’s release reignited discussions about its social themes. Like its predecessor, The Platform 2 leans heavily into allegory, critiquing class inequality, systemic oppression, and human nature under pressure. However, some critics argue the sequel’s messaging comes at the expense of narrative cohesion. A review in The Johns Hopkins News-Letter noted that the film "focuses on political commentary at the cost of cohesive storytelling," calling it a "reimagining" rather than a seamless follow-up .

This tension isn’t new for Gaztelu-Urrutia, whose 2019 film was praised for its brutal efficiency in blending horror with social critique. The director has defended the sequel’s approach, framing it as a deeper dive into the mechanics of the platform’s cruelty. "It appeals to the viewer’s civil responsibility and forces them to look at the darkness," reads the IMDb synopsis, echoing the original’s provocative tone .

Still, the mixed reception suggests the sequel’s ambitions may have outpaced its execution. While Netflix hasn’t released official viewership numbers, the film’s Wikipedia page describes its critical response as "mixed," though specifics on audience reactions remain scarce .

Behind the Scenes: A Cast Reunited (and Expanded)

The Platform 2 brought back key collaborators from the first film, including screenwriters David Desola and Pedro Rivero, who helped craft the original’s razor-sharp script . The cast, too, reflects a blend of old and new. Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian lead the ensemble, with Natalia Tena (Game of Thrones) and Óscar Jaenada (Narcos) rounding out the core players .

Notably, Zorion Eguileor returns as a different character, a nod to the franchise’s lore that hints at the platform’s cyclical nature. The film also introduces younger actors like Bastien Ughetto and Armando Buika, suggesting a generational shift in the story’s focus .

Production details are thin, but Gaztelu-Urrutia’s comments to Tudum reveal a team eager to push boundaries. "We wanted to create something that felt fresh but still terrifying," he said, though specifics on the film’s practical effects or shooting challenges remain unconfirmed .

**What’s Next for The Platform?**

With The Platform 2 now streaming, the franchise’s future is uncertain. The original film’s cult following and Netflix’s appetite for international genre hits suggest a third installment isn’t out of the question. However, the sequel’s divisive reception may give the studio pause.

For now, fans are left dissecting the film’s ending and its implications for the platform’s lore. If nothing else, The Platform 2 proves Gaztelu-Urrutia isn’t afraid to take risks—even if it means trading some of the original’s tight storytelling for broader, messier themes.