The Platform

The Platform

2019
★★★☆☆ 7.0/10
⏱️ 95 minutes
📅 Released
🌐 ES
DramaScience FictionThriller
A slab of food descends down a vertical facility. The residents above eat heartily, leaving those below starving and desperate. A rebellion is imminent.

Where to Watch (US)

Stream

Netflix
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User Reviews

Alunauwie
★ 9/10
The Platform (2019) explores wealth inequality through a brutal vertical prison system, symbolizing human greed and survival instincts. Director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia uses minimal sets enhanced by visual effects to create a dystopian environment that reflects social critique. Cannibalism and violence serve as metaphors for selfishness in a harsh hierarchical society. The story centers on Goreng’s transformation from indifference to moral awareness, driving the emotional core amid external and internal conflicts. The prison’s vague origin adds to the unsettling atmosphere, while tension escalates through psychological struggles and inmate interactions. The narrative is tightly paced with layered symbolism at every level and encounter. The film ends with a strong twist that underscores themes of solidarity and change, supported by intense performances and immersive visuals. Cinematography, sound design, and color composition reinforce the disturbing yet meaningful tone. Though some mysteries remain unresolved, the film stands as a gripping psychological thriller with a sharp social message—and for Indonesian viewers, Goreng’s name adds an amusing extra layer. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)
August 31, 2025
RalphRahal
★ 8/10
"The Platform" is one of those movies that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It's not your typical horror flick, though it definitely has some gruesome moments. This isn't about jump scares, it's about a terrifying concept that's surprisingly relevant to our world. The directing is brilliant. They keep the tension high throughout, and the way they use the limited space of "the pit" is incredibly claustrophobic. The cinematography is equally impressive, with some truly unsettling visuals. The acting is solid across the board, with each character adding a unique layer to the story. The script is sharp and thought-provoking. It doesn't spoon-feed you the message, forcing you to grapple with the ethical dilemmas at the heart of this dystopian society. And let's not forget the score, which is both eerie and unsettling, perfectly complementing the film's atmosphere. "The Platform" is a disturbing and unforgettable cinematic experience.
February 21, 2025
The Movie Mob
★ 5/10
**The Platform is a unique story that asks some deep questions but ultimately left me disappointed.** The Platform has such an intriguing concept that raises a variety of potent philosophical and moral questions and dilemmas. The film begs the question, “What if?” How would I respond in such dire and impossible circumstances? What would I do? As characters grapple with their desperate circumstances, a hero attempts to find hope by devising a plan to send a message to their captors and possibly save lives. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t really provide any answers or assure any resolution or salvation. It just kind of ends after an hour and forty minutes of disturbing hopelessness. It probably has some deeper meaning that I missed but definitely not my kind of movie.
December 2, 2022

Crew

Director
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Writer
David Desola, Pedro Rivero, David Desola
Producer
Carlos Juárez, Carlos Juárez, Raquel Perea

Production

Basque Films, Mr. Miyagi, EiTB, TVE

Keywords

capitalismsurvivalanarchismsecret prisonfood shortagesocial experimentcautionarydishearteningsocial dynamics