The Platform" Movie: A Disturbing Look at Humanity's Dark Side**

 

"The Platform" (original title: "El Hoyo"), a Spanish science fiction horror film released in 2019, is a dark and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, social hierarchy, and survival. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia and set in a dystopian prison, the film offers a grim reflection on the inequalities and moral dilemmas that define society.

**Plot Summary**

The film takes place in a vertical prison known as the "Vertical Self-Management Center," where prisoners are randomly assigned to various levels. At the top of this structure, a platform filled with an opulent feast descends daily, stopping for a brief period on each level. The prisoners on the upper levels eat as much as they can, leaving scraps, or often nothing, for those below. As the platform descends, the food becomes scarcer, leading to a desperate struggle for survival among the inmates on the lower levels.

The protagonist, Goreng (Iván Massagué), voluntarily enters the prison to quit smoking and read "Don Quixote." However, he quickly realizes the horrifying reality of the system he is now a part of. Goreng is initially placed on Level 48, where food is still relatively plentiful. However, after a month, he finds himself on Level 171, where starvation and violence are the norms. As he moves between different levels, Goreng encounters various inmates, each of whom offers a different perspective on the prison’s brutal environment. 

**Themes and Symbolism**

"The Platform" is rich in symbolism and tackles several heavy themes. One of the most prominent is the disparity of wealth and resources, represented by the levels of the prison. The upper levels represent the privileged, who have access to excess, while the lower levels signify the oppressed, who must fight for scraps. This system is a direct commentary on real-world social and economic inequalities, where those at the top benefit from the labor and suffering of those at the bottom.

The film also delves into the concept of survival and the lengths to which people will go to stay alive. As food becomes scarce, the prisoners' true nature is revealed, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means harming or killing others. This aspect of the film explores the darker sides of human nature and questions whether morality can exist in such extreme circumstances.

Another critical theme is the cyclical nature of the system. The prisoners are moved to different levels each month, experiencing both privilege and suffering. This rotation reflects the arbitrary nature of social status and suggests that anyone can find themselves at the top or bottom of society, depending on luck or circumstance.

**Character Development**

Goreng's journey through the prison is both physical and psychological. He begins as an idealistic man, believing that the system can be changed if people work together. However, as he experiences the horrors of the lower levels and the brutality of other prisoners, he becomes more cynical and desperate. His interactions with other characters, such as Trimagasi (Zorion Eguileor), a pragmatic old man, and Imoguiri (Antonia San Juan), a former prison administrator, shape his understanding of the system and force him to confront his own beliefs and values.

By the end of the film, Goreng's character has undergone a significant transformation. His initial naivety has been replaced by a hardened resolve to find a way to change the system, even if it means sacrificing himself. His journey is a powerful commentary on the impact of oppressive systems on individuals and their capacity for change.

**Visual and Cinematic Style**

"The Platform" is a visually striking film, with its minimalist set design and stark cinematography. The prison itself is a cold, concrete structure, with each level identical to the next. This repetitive design emphasizes the monotony and hopelessness of the prisoners' existence. The descent of the platform is a central visual motif, representing the slow, inevitable decline of the characters' physical and mental states.

The film's use of lighting is also notable, with the upper levels bathed in harsh, clinical light, while the lower levels are shrouded in darkness. This contrast highlights the divide between the haves and have-nots and adds to the film's oppressive atmosphere.