The Platform

About The Platform

The Platform is a Spanish thriller movie released in 2019. It was written by David Desola and Pedro Rivero and directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. The film takes place in a mysterious vertical prison known as "The Hole," where food is delivered on a platform that travels between floors. Each level has two prisoners and the platform, which starts at the top and gradually descends. However, only the prisoners on the top floors have access to ample food, while those below face scarcity and desperation. The Platform is a thought-provoking film that explores social inequality, power dynamics, and human nature under extreme circumstances.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

The film revolves around Goreng, a man who voluntarily enters The Hole to quit smoking. He is allocated on level 48, where the lower levels struggle with hunger and violence. As the platform travels down each level, Goreng must navigate the brutal survival system while forming alliances and confronting his own morality. Through his journey, the movie explores themes of greed, solidarity, and the harsh realities of social stratification. The Platform cleverly delivers its message and keeps the audience engaged with its intense and often unsettling scenes.

Making / Production

The Platform was co-written by David Desola and Pedro Rivero. The film was produced by Basque Films and Mr. Miyagi Films. Filming began in 2018 and took place in Bilbao, Spain. The set design played a crucial role in creating the oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere of The Hole. The filmmakers used a practical platform representing the prison structure and meticulously designed the vertical setting. The movie proves to be visually striking as it portrays the harsh reality of the vertical prison system.

Actors

• Iván Massagué as Goreng: Iván Massagué delivers a captivating performance as the main protagonist, displaying a range of emotions as he experiences the brutal and desperate conditions of The Hole.
• Zorion Eguileor as Trimagasi: Zorion Eguileor's portrayal of Trimagasi, an older prisoner who becomes Goreng's cellmate, adds depth to the film as he represents the harsh reality of survival in The Hole.
• Antonio San Juan as Imoguiri: Antonio San Juan brings a sense of mystery and wisdom to the character of Imoguiri, a fellow prisoner who reveals insights about the system and its challenges.
• Emilio Buale as Baharat: Emilio Buale's performance as Baharat, a prisoner on a lower level who has a unique perspective on survival, adds complexity to the story.
• Alexandra Masangkay as Miharu: Alexandra Masangkay plays Miharu, a young girl who also enters The Hole. Despite her limited screen time, she leaves an impact on the narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Platform is Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's directorial debut for a feature-length film.
• The film's original title in Spanish is "El Hoyo".
• The Platform was highly praised for its unique concept and thought-provoking themes, leading it to become a successful international film.
• The movie's release on Netflix further contributed to its popularity and reach.
• The Platform won multiple awards at various film festivals, including the People's Choice Award for Midnight Madness at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.

Awards

The Platform has received several awards and nominations, including the following:

• People's Choice Award for Midnight Madness - Toronto International Film Festival (2019)
• Best Director - Fantastic Fest (2019)
• Best Special Effects - Feroz Awards (2020)
• Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Gaudí Awards (2020)

Quotes

• "The ones above eat; the ones below get eaten."
• "We never know on which level we're going to wake up. It's worse than the uncertainty of the afterlife, because at least there, the infidels burn eternally."
• "We eat what we're given. And before, we ate each other."

Music

The original music for The Platform was composed by Aránzazu Calleja. The score adds to the tension and atmosphere of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Soundtrack

• "El Dulce Final" by Aizpurua & Narvaja
• "Nocturno nº 20 en Do sostenido menor, Op. Posth, cis moll" by Frédéric Chopin
• "Cellule" by Bartolomé Suleiman
• "Gnossienne nº1" by Erik Satie