Warning! This post contains spoilers for Platform 2.
The platform 2 Introduces two factions, the Loyalists and Barbarians, into its central prison system, with both representing contrasting philosophies. Like its predecessor, The platform 2 It begins by following the struggles of two inmates who try to adapt to the central prison system’s dubious food distribution methods. As the Netflix sci-fi movie progresses, the two characters, Zamyatin and Perempuan, interact with their neighbors and learn how the population in the prison is divided into two groups: the loyalists and the barbarians.
Believing that one group’s philosophies are far more morally righteous than the other, Perempuan chooses to become a loyalist. However, her journey in the main prison is mixed with several challenges and tragedies that force her to change her mind about how she perceives people from both groups. with this, The platform 2 Effectively uses both groups as narrative devices to raise many intriguing questions around themes of morality, human biases and loyalty.
The Loyalists and their motive in the Platform 2 explained
The loyalists hope to bring solidarity to the pit
Perempuan and Zamyatin’s first contact in the Vertical Prison is with two loyalists who convince them to eat only the food they ordered before entering the prison. They claim that solidarity will eventually help them ensure that everyone gets an equal share of resources in the prison, with no one starving. Believing that the Loyalist philosophies prevent him from being in prison at the same time, Frempoon follows them blindly, but Zamyatin was able to adapt. He often feels tempted by the idea of ​​feasting on someone else’s food and even secretly chomps down some things that don’t belong to him.
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Things take a grim turn when the two characters end up in one of the lower levels of the prison and get access to no food. With no food reaching their level, they soon understand the importance of the Loyalist Law and how it can ensure that even people in the lower levels are well fed. The characters also learn that The loyalists must carry out their socialist message. If someone wants to follow their rules and consumes more than they are expected to, the four people directly above them must serve them justice by killing them.
The barbarians and their rebellion in the Platform 2 explained
The barbarians serve themselves in platform 2
The barbarians have a capitalist mindset in The platform 2. Instead of believing in solidarity, they serve themselves by consuming as much food as they can when given the opportunity. They realize that they may not always end up in one of the higher levels of the central vertical prison. Therefore, when they get access to an abundance of food, they must seize the moment and indulge because they will eventually face the pains and burdens of scarcity in the lower levels.
Dagin Babi’s cruelty prompts Perempuan to start a rebellion with the barbarian, where she moves from one level to another, convincing many to unite against the anointed one’s oppressive methods.
After initially supporting the loyalists, Perempuan sees all the extreme lengths they go to in order to secure solidarity in the prison. Their supreme leader, Dagin Babi, shows no mercy even to those who unknowingly end up misinterpreting the law and mercilessly kills those who violate his rules twice. The cruelty of Dagin Babi prompts Perempuan to start a rebellion with the barbarian, where she moves from one level to another, convincing many to unite against the anointed one’s oppressive methods.
The Platform 2 cast & character breakdown |
|
Actor |
Role |
Milena Smith |
Perempuan |
Hovik Kitchkerian |
Zamyatin |
Natalia Tena |
Perempuan’s second roommate |
Oscar Jaenada |
Dougin Bobby |
Ivan Massagué |
Goreng |
Antonio San Juan |
Imoguiri |
Zorion Aguilar |
Tiramisu |
Tadashi Ito |
Barbaro 21 |
To fight back, Dagin Bobby and his loyalists devise a plan. They ensure that no food reaches the level where the barbarians set up their base, believing they will gradually weaken due to lack of food. Once the barbarians are weak enough to be easily subdued, Dagin Babi hopes to crush their rebellion and reassert his dominance. However, the barbarians refuse to back down and resort to cannibalism to ensure their survival. This eventually forces Dagin Bobby and his army to wage war against the barbarians, which does not end well for either faction.
How the two factions tie into the social themes of the platform 2
The movie criticizes both socialism and capitalism through the two factions
The platform 2 Initially comes off as a critique of trickle-down economicsWhere the upper peoples (representing the rich) enjoy an abundance of resources, while the lower ones barely survive. The ones on the top levels eat until they throw up, while the ones on the lower levels don’t even get crumbs. However, after initially shedding light on the issues with a fully capitalist society, The platform 2 Also depicts how socialism may not be as ideal as it seems.
By depicting the oppressive rule of Dagin Babi, The platform 2 Shows how a system designed to promote solidarity is authoritarian and unfair. It champions community support and unity but contradicts itself by promoting violence and brutality. with this, The platform 2s ending arc invites viewers to be critical of both economic systems instead of encouraging them to support one over the other.