Netflix’s latest horror film, The Platform 2, has spurred quite the conversation since its release. Following the success of the first installment, which captured audiences with its grim take on survival and societal structure, this sequel raced to the top of Netflix's charts, becoming their number one most-watched non-English movie, logging over 19 million views during the week ending October 6, 2024. But as viewers tuned in, they found themselves grappling with mixed feelings due to the film's stark drop in quality compared to its predecessor.
The original Platform, released back in 2020, was heralded for its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, achieving an impressive 81% on Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel, directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, didn’t quite hit the mark, plummeting to a disappointing 47% on the review aggregator's score, which certainly raises eyebrows. At its core, the sequel revisits the eerie Vertical Self-Management Center, the infamous prison where food is served via platforms descending from floor to floor. This time around, the story introduces us to Perempuan, played by Milena Smit, as she wrestles with the brutal realities of this disturbing environment.
Despite the film's popularity, reviews have highlighted several shortcomings. Critics pointed out issues with pacing and storytelling, claiming the narrative felt stretched and lacked the punch of the first. According to TechRadar, the follow-up flounders under the weight of expectation, as viewers find it difficult to escape the shadow of the original film’s darker edge. Many audiences expressed disappointment, arguing the sequel does not quite live up to the atmosphere and intensity they had hoped for.
Yet, there is something undeniably captivating about the film's premise. The stark visual aesthetics and the harrowing portrayal of survival bring back memories of the chilling drip-feed of nourishment along the floors of the dystopian prison. The Platform 2 manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats when it focuses on its themes of despair, hunger, and the primal instinct to survive; it poses uncomfortable questions about human nature and societal structures, albeit with less finesse than the first round.
For those seeking alternatives after watching The Platform 2, there are plenty of other horror films out there to explore. His House is one suggestion boasting glowing praise, sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is centered around two refugees who battle both personal vendettas and supernatural terrors within their new British home. Reviewers have called it “terrifying and absorbing,” making it one to add to your watch list.
Another recommended watch is Under the Shadow, which merges the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq War with paranormal activity, presenting viewers with chilling phenomena rooted in cultural beliefs. This Persian-language film offers a unique narrative that's both impactful and haunting as it weaves together threads of fear and societal critique, much like The Platform.
If you’re interested in psychological horror, 1922, based on Stephen King's novella, delivers spine-tingling storytelling. This film explores the dark consequences of guilt when a desperate farmer commits murder; it’s more of a slow-burn horror film rather than reliant on jump scares, captivating viewers with its emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Oxygen, featuring Mélanie Laurent, wraps viewers up in a claustrophobic psychological thriller. It’s centered on the fight for survival as the lead character awakens trapped, trying to restore her memory and escape her predicament before her air supply runs out.
Despite the mixed reviews, it seems The Platform 2 has made its mark for being bold and daring, even if it didn't completely reach the heights of its predecessor. The initial appeal lies heavily on where it situates itself within the horror genre—pedaling themes of survival and despair—from which loops back to the core message of the first film. Audiences are left pondering as to whether this sequel adds any new layers to the original narrative or simply replicates what’s already been told.
So where does The Platform 2 stand now? It might not be the quintessential horror film of the year, but it's certainly drawing crowds, making it one of the most talked-about Netflix releases this season. And for those who find the film lacking, the alternatives listed are likely to satisfy the hunger for quality horror storytelling.
Overall, the sequel to The Platform has ignited spirited discussions among viewers, critics, and horror aficionados alike. Whether it’ll cement its spot as one of the memorable entries of the genre is still up for debate, and its ratings continue to fluctuate as more viewers experience the film. With lessons learned and possibly new directions for future installments, horror fans will be keeping their eyes peeled for what might come next from this intriguing series.
