Review of the sci-fi thriller movie The Hole - Chapter 2

Redundant elements and overlapping themes in the Netflix sequel

The Hole - Chapter 2, The Platform 2 the international title, the Spanish sci-fi thriller TV movie directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia and starring Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian, available for streaming on Netflix.

The review, no spoilers

Same dystopian setting, new protagonists: they are fellow inmates, Perempuan (Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian). However, the skill of the cast is not enough to attract the streamer's subscribers.

Much has been said about the interesting, if not exactly original, microcosm of the first movie.

Unfortunately, the sequel's script loses its effectiveness when it comes to its ambition to make the viewer reflect on current events along philosophical-ethical implications.

In addition to Perempuan and Zamiatin, the blind messiah Dagin Babi (Óscar Jaenada) enters the scene, dispensing predictable justice to the "rebels" in the manner of a stereotypical Wild West sheriff.

Social experiment, utopia, survival instinct - the plot seems to navigate by sight, between dubious dream sequences and, at best, the movie's delayed message: it all turns out to be very confusing, thanks to an open ending that once again leaves the viewer perplexed enough to Google the "final explanation".

International Criticism

While audiences and critics liked the first movie, this sequel does not seem to live up to expectations.

Jesse Hassenger writes for The Guardian, "Gaztelu-Urrutia seems to be starting from level 0 on its own concept, treating it like a frenzied all-you-can-eat buffet that can be torn apart at any moment.

Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com reviews, "In the first half hour of director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's The Platform 2, it's clear that this comeback is a serious mistake.

Let's hope that the third chapter will be more satisfying than this sequel.