The Layers of “The Platform”: a Cinematic Dive into Societal Structures

Movies have always been a mirror, albeit a distorted one at times, reflecting societal concerns, taboos, and conundrums. One such intense reflection is found in “The Platform”, a Spanish science fiction horror-thriller film directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. On the surface, it appears as a grim tale set in a mysterious prison-like setting, but digging deeper, one discovers it is a potent allegory of our societal constructs and the inherent inequities they perpetuate.

The core premise of “The Platform” is deceptively simple.

Inmates are housed in a vertical facility where each level contains two prisoners. A platform laden with a lavish feast begins at the top and descends level by level. Those on the upper tiers have the luxury to indulge, but as the platform descends, the food becomes scarce, leading to unimaginable deprivation and desperation for those below. The film masterfully uses this setup to shed light on themes of wealth distribution, classism, and human nature when faced with scarcity.

One of the most striking elements of the movie is its blunt portrayal of resource allocation. The platform’s journey from the top level downwards serves as a chilling analogy for how resources, opportunities, and wealth trickle down (or often, don’t) in our societies. The occupants of the top levels, not unlike the elite in many societal structures, have the first pick and often consume without thought for those below. As we move down, the leftovers become less, and by the time we reach the lower levels, there’s a frenzied scramble for mere crumbs. It’s an uncomfortable but accurate representation of the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ and the vast chasm between them.

The film also delves deeply into human psychology. Faced with the uncertainty of which level they’ll be placed on next month, prisoners’ behavior varies. Some show empathy and ration food, while others resort to barbarism in the face of starvation. This unpredictability serves as a reflection of how, when systems become oppressive and resources become scarce, the veneer of civilization can thin rapidly. The question posed is direct: How would you behave in a similar situation? Would altruism stand a chance, or would primal instincts dominate?

But “The Platform” is not merely a dystopian portrayal without hope. Amidst its dark narrative, there are glimmers of humanity and the possibility of change. Characters like Goreng, who enter the facility naive but become radicalized by the inherent injustices, show that individuals can make a difference, even in the most adverse circumstances. The film suggests that the key to societal change isn’t just individual action but collective effort. The idea that people need to consciously decide to break the cycle of hoarding and share resources is a call to action for audiences.

In closing, “The Platform” is more than just a film; it’s a thought experiment. By presenting a microcosm of our society in its stark vertical facility, it forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality, human nature, and the potential for change. It serves as a grim reminder that if we continue to turn a blind eye to the ever-widening disparities in our society, we might be headed to a future not very different from the bleak world depicted in the film. Yet, in its darkest moments, it also shines a light on the indomitable human spirit and the possibility of a better, more equitable world, if only we choose to act.

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