The Platform 2 trailer and details: Revisiting the vertical prison of despair

The Platform 2 (El hoyo 2) is an upcoming Spanish satirical science fiction film, directed once again by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, following up on his 2019 breakout hit The Platform (El hoyo). The film is slated for release on Netflix in October 2024 and will star Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian. The sequel will revisit the dark, dystopian world that captivated audiences during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The original 2019 film, which premiered on Netflix in March 2020, gained widespread attention thanks to its unique setting: a Vertical Self-Management Center. In this vertical, multilevel prison, inmates live in pairs on each floor. A food platform descends daily, starting at the top floor and providing food for all prisoners. However, those on lower floors often receive only scraps or nothing at all, creating a sharp and harrowing commentary on class divisions and survival instincts.

This socially allegorical film became one of Netflix’s most successful non-English language original films, watched by over 56 million households within its first four weeks. Sequel talks began soon after, with fans and critics speculating where the story could go next.

In May 2023, Netflix officially confirmed that filming had begun for The Platform 2, with Gaztelu-Urrutia returning as director. Joining him are newcomers to the film series: Milena Smit, an acclaimed actress known for her roles in Parallel Mothers (2021) and Cross the Line (2020), and Hovik Keuchkerian, widely recognized for his performance in Money Heist (La Casa de Papel).

What The Platform 2 promises to offer

The director said, "We started production of the film full of enthusiasm, eager to extend the universe of The Platform with a plot full of surprises, obstacles, new characters... and old friends. We want this second installment to be an exciting physical journey that allows us to go into the darkness, into that place where we are afraid to look."

The choice of actors promises a powerful dynamic as they delve deeper into the nightmarish world of the "Vertical Self-Management Center." Production for the sequel took place in various locations, including the BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre) in Barakaldo, Spain, which contributed to the film’s dark, industrial aesthetic. This location was also key in helping to maintain the claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere that defined the first film.

As the filming wrapped, anticipation grew for the film’s festival circuit debut. In September 2024, The Platform 2 was selected to screen in the "Culinary Zinema" section at the prestigious 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival, a nod to the original film's focus on food, scarcity, and excess. The release of The Platform 2 on October 4, 2024, comes amid high expectations.

With Gaztelu-Urrutia back at the helm, the film promises to build on the original's success while exploring new themes and pushing the boundaries of its satirical narrative. The production team behind The Platform 2 remains largely consistent with the first film, which adds to the continuity in tone and vision. In particular, the collaboration between the director and the production company, Basque Films, continues to deliver high-concept stories with a minimalist yet impactful style.

The cast and production details

The first movie’s score, by composer Aránzazu Calleja, was noted for its haunting and atmospheric quality, and audiences will likely be eager to see if her music returns to heighten the tension in this next installment. For Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian, The Platform 2 represents another major step in their careers. Smit’s star has been on the rise in Spanish cinema, with her recent performances receiving critical acclaim, while Keuchkerian’s strong presence in Money Heist has cemented him as a versatile actor capable of tackling intense, complex roles.

The dynamic between the two leads will likely be central to the story, as the characters in The Platform 2 are expected to face even more harrowing situations than those depicted in the first film. With The Platform 2, Gaztelu-Urrutia has a unique opportunity to expand on the philosophical and existential questions posed by the original. The film will likely delve further into themes of power, greed, and human nature, all set against the stark backdrop of a prison where resources are scarce and survival often comes at the expense of others.

Fans of the original and new viewers alike will be drawn into its exploration of morality, ethics, and the desperate measures people take when pushed to their limits. Netflix promises that "Dread, danger, and desperation are on the menu."

Be sure to bring a "spork!"