One of the Best Thrillers of 2019 Is Hiding on Netflix (And Has a Sequel)

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Hidden deep within Netflix from 2019 is one of the top thrillers. It wasn’t initially expected to be such a success, but when the pandemic struck in 2020 and people worldwide were looking for intense horror-thriller stories that delved into societal inequalities, this film rose to fame. Although it might seem like we’re referring to Squid Game due to its extreme portrayal of societal divisions, as its third and final season is set to air this summer, it can no longer be considered a hidden gem.

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Even though you might not recall the excitement around it, “The Platform” is still accessible on Netflix for streaming. This gives you an opportunity to discover what all the fuss and controversy were about. Interestingly enough, Netflix has recently released a sequel titled “The Platform 2”. So if you decide to watch this acclaimed series, you’ll have a chance to enjoy two films!

Netflix’s The Platform Explained

The film “The Platform” is directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, with a script by David Desola and Pedro Rivero. It portrays a chilling dystopian world where a man named Goreng (Iván Massagué) wakes up in a grim prison tower, where prisoners are tiered and each floor corresponds to a level within the structure. A platform filled with food descends from the top of the prison once a day, stopping for just two minutes at each level before continuing downwards. This seemingly ordinary process results in a ruthless social hierarchy, as those on higher levels can plunder the best food, leaving less for those below. By the time it reaches the bottom, only scraps remain for the prisoners on the deepest floors, sparking a vicious cycle of violence and hunger among the lower levels. As an inhabitant on Level 48, Goreng is right in the heart of this struggle and soon discovers that the system’s facade of order is merely an illusion. Factions are forming, and there’s constant turmoil as prisoners fight for survival and strive to climb up the social ladder through brutal means. The true nature of events on the lowest level remains unknown, and it holds the potential to overthrow the entire system.

In this movie, prominent Spanish actors such as Massagué headline, with Goreng and Zorion Eguileor portraying his shrewd cellmate Trimagasi. Throughout the film, Antonia San Juan, Emilio Buale, Elexandra Masangkay, Mario Pardo, among others, take on different roles as inmates.

In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, “The Platform” was a captivating blend of chilling horror and profound socio-political commentary that resonated deeply during the tumultuous times of the 2020 pandemic, especially in the United States. The movie struck a nerve with its timely narrative.

However, its sequel, “The Platform 2,” unfortunately failed to deliver the same impact, receiving a dismal 35% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the original’s impressive “Certified Fresh” score of 81%. It seems that both critics and viewers share a common consensus – “The Platform 2” falls short in comparison, mirroring the drastic quality drop between “Highlander 2” and its predecessor, or even “2 Fast 2 Furious.”

Despite the sequel’s less-than-stellar performance, I must admit that the first installment of “The Platform” stands out as one of the most original and gripping horror-thriller concepts we’ve seen in recent years. If you’re in search of a thought-provoking film to stream, I would highly recommend giving this one a watch.

The film is in Spanish and includes subtitles. If you prefer an English voiceover, there’s a trustworthy option available as well.

The Platform 1 & 2 are streaming on Netflix.

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2025-08-28 20:40