Watched The Platform on Netflix last night. I’m particular fond of movies that showcase our dystopian future – or some might joke – our ever increasing reality. It’s a pretty bleak movie, which I also rather enjoy time to time, like enjoying an overcast drizzly day.
The concept is simple, the platform itself is a concrete slab that descends downward through a vertically arrayed prison. Two prisoners occupy each layer. Beginning at the top laden with a bounty of impeccably cooked cuisine. We even see the haute cuisine chefs perfecting the dishes from time to time. Imagine Thomas Keller helming the line at Rikers.
The platform travels downwards layer by layer, stopping for a short while on each level to allow the prisoners to feast. As the platform descends the pickins’ become slimmer and slimmer. Those further down inevitably resort to violence, cannibalism and suicide as resources become scant.
The whole thing is an unashamed commentary on capitalism and societies ills. It has the subtlety of me trying to get into a coconut. The last time I attempted such a feat, I ended up on the floor half naked with a hammer and nail by the way. But that’s another story.
The Platform reminded me of the special episode of The West Wing (ordinarily fantastic) post 9/11 where Aaron Sorkin educates us all on why the world hates America. “But why Josh, why do they hate us so much”, a literal line if memory serves.
All in all, a so-so dystopian watch for the journey itself – ultimately mired by constant child like chiding. Yes, we get it, capitalism sucks and we all need to help the next guy. Oh, the ending is balls and it’s dubbed into English as standard which is annoying. Would have much preferred subtitles, but I guess we ‘mercans are too dumb for that now.
If you’re looking for something similar, but more enjoyable I far preferred Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer with an amazing Tilda Swinton.
Mood: