Oliver Matheson’s review published on Letterboxd:
“The panna cotta is the message”
My Saturday night consisted of me trying to watch two separate movies, watching 30 minutes of each and giving up each time due to lack of interest. I certainly did not have that problem with my third try, Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s feature length debut The Platform, a film that instantly grabbed my attention and refused to let it go, almost like it was in a prison or something.
The Platform is an amazing example of a simple yet intriguing premise that can carry an entire film. In the opening minutes we meet Goreng, the newest inmate on the 33rd floor of a vertical prison where two prisoners live on each floor, and there is an unknown number of levels. Each day every single prisoners’ favorite meal is meticulously prepared, and then lowered down throughout the prison, one level at a time. There is more than enough food for everyone, as long as the prisoners at the top don’t eat more than their share. Any guesses on how that pans out?
Watching The Platform is perversely enjoyable because it portrays humanity’s worst traits with a simple yet effective premise. It is filled with gruesome violence and plenty of high-tension scenes that are only made better by the high level of unpredictability. Gaztelu-Urrutia gets great use out of his small cast, with each actor breathing great life into small roles. It is also a testament to the script that all of the dialogue is interesting and engaging despite the close quarters.
A film of this quality deserved a better ending, but the concept is strong enough that it will still make for an effective watch. On display here is a problem set that would require massive change, a change that could only start with one person, and therefore asks the beautiful question: would you be the one person to try to make the change?