The Platform 2: Netflix's Dystopian Thriller Explained

Netflix's The Platform 2 takes viewers back into a terrifying world, one full of unique twists that make it stand out from many other dystopian thrillers!

The Dog Painting In The Platform 2

What might make The Platform 2 so unique? A key moment that underscores the themes throughout the whole movie is Francisco Goya's famous painting "The Dog." It isn't just a random painting but one of the core aspects of the plot and serves to bring the themes that were introduced in the original movie The Platform, released in 2019, even further. In this new story we get to meet Perempuan (played by Milena Smit). It's her journey that gets audiences asking questions from the beginning.

Also Read: The Platform 2: Unraveling the Mysteries of Children, Escape, and the Vertical Self-Management Center

Perempuan's Escape Plan

Iván Massagué as Goreng from the original with Hovik Keuchkerian's Zamiatin from The Platform 2 Image

The main character Perempuan mirrors Goreng's (played by Iván Massagué) story. While trying to escape The Vertical Self-Management Center she has a harrowing adventure! In this dystopian setting there's an encounter with a woman named Tena, (played by Natalia Tena ) which creates an important friendship. She lays out the plan for Perempuan which requires being unconscious. It's during this moment that the characters make a bold move to escape! In the chaos, Perempuan ingests part of Goya's "The Dog."

Also Read: The Platform 2 Review: Netflix's Dystopian Thriller Explores Extreme Ideologies

Goya's The Dog

Perempuan (Milena Smit) gaunt and with blood on her face in The Platform 2 Image

What is this special piece? This painting, Goya's "The Dog," is part of a group of "Black Paintings." A series of incredible works, depicting powerful emotions through haunting imagery! What makes the artwork stand out in the movie is that "The Dog" features a dog struggling to survive in a large, undefined space which may be seen as water or quicksand and is desperate to survive but will surely drown.

You've heard about Goya's iconic creation. But what is remarkable is how the film really puts the emphasis on how the art mimics real life, and mirrors just how Perempuan's journey is! That's because the whole premise of the show is that the environment seems impossible, and no one will ever make it out! The story shows the same message of futility and lack of support.

Also Read: The Platform 2 Ending Explained: What Happens to Perempuan and The Mid-Credits Scene

Perempuan and The Meaning

Painting of a dog drowning, as shown in The Platform 2 Image

There is something so special about The Platform 2, what really adds even more to the impact that the painting of "The Dog" has for the audience and helps tie the message of futility together.

Here are some of those things to look at.

In The Vertical Self-Management Center people have the chance to bring only one thing in the area with them. This helps to bring the overall meaning together and shows just what makes it an important element in this new movie release!
What's so interesting is how Perempuan made her own journey that was about forgiving herself! In the original world Perempuan was an artist with some pretty powerful projects under her belt.
She made art and statues that showed a critique of animal cruelty, emphasizing how animals need protection.
One moment takes center stage where the guilt for a serious accident. A boy was hurt by one of her art installations, giving a new powerful lens as to what really made her take a wild decision- stepping into "The Vertical Self-Management Center."

What may make this compelling is the impact and how the ending leaves everyone guessing.

This show is ultimately about hope and even though things may feel hopeless, we shouldn't stop! That's shown as Perempuan made an attempt to escape and may have achieved some sort of inner peace, however, it's always a possibility, that the escape wasn't really happening but some sort of dying thought like Goreng from the original movie.

It seems there might always be more to think about with the story that these producers deliver! Whether it was the end of this particular journey. It looks like this new Netflix addition might be giving the people what they didn't know they needed and certainly a unique film that makes audiences truly reflect. That means "The Platform 2" offers a unique thrill and its use of the painting may suggest that we have no reason to stop even when we may feel defeated. So keep the excitement up, "The Platform 2" brings to the surface an array of compelling topics for everyone, from a movie to the next!

The Platform 2: Netflix's Dystopian Thriller Explained

The Dog Painting In The Platform 2

Perempuan's Escape Plan

Goya's The Dog

Perempuan and The Meaning

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