The Platform 2 leaves viewers both entertained and perplexed, prompting many to revisit the original film for a better understanding. The sequel is set in the same dystopian vertical prison as its predecessor, continuing the theme of a daily food platform that descends through cells. While there is theoretically enough food for all, the reality is that inmates often fail to adhere to their assigned meals.
In this installment, a new order emerges among the prisoners, who adhere to strict rules that demand they only consume their designated food. Violating this code results in severe punishment, enforced by the authoritarian figure Dagin Babi. As the character Perempuán learns more about the harsh realities of prison life, she initially complies but ultimately rebels against the oppressive system after suffering an arbitrary punishment.
Perempuán decides to follow her deceased cellmate’s escape plan, which involves using a gas released during a monthly cell rearrangement to create an opportunity for escape. After a violent confrontation where she kills Babi, she uses a material that compromises her breathing but allows her to regain consciousness amidst a chaotic scene of suspended guards and corpses. In this moment, she spots a child in the lowest cell, number 333, and risks her life to save him.
The film also connects back to the original, revealing that Trimagasi, a character from the first movie, is present in The Platform 2. His timeline suggests that the events of this sequel occur approximately a year before those of the original film. The connection culminates in the final moments, where Perempuán encounters Goreng, indicating a prior relationship that hints at a deeper narrative.
As for Perempuán’s fate, it is heavily implied that she does not survive her attempt to save the child, as she suffers severe injuries and ultimately descends into a metaphorical void representing death. Her sacrifice, however, symbolizes a successful act of redemption.
The film also features a recurring motif of children playing on a stone structure, which reflects the larger themes of the story. Their chaotic struggle mirrors the prison’s structure, suggesting a commentary on societal hierarchies and the damaging effects of power. Their fate and existence remain ambiguous, leading viewers to ponder whether they symbolize hope or are mere hallucinations influenced by the characters’ despair.
In summary, The Platform 2 showcases a complex narrative intertwining themes of power, sacrifice, and redemption within a bleak societal framework. The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix.