Zabriskie Point (1970)

While we’re trapped and hoarding toilet paper, I thought it would be appropriate to review a movie about being trapped and hoarding. Unfortunately, it’s not about hoarding toilet paper, but that would be hilarious. No, no, this is a horror film and it’s not for the faint of heart.

The Platform is a Spanish horror/thriller and science fiction film. It was directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia and released in 2019, but Netflix found the best time to give it to us. But don’t worry, this film is much, much more drastic than what’s going on today. It is simply a movie after all, albeit a terrifying one.

The film takes place in a tower-like prison called "the Pit", and it’s filled with many levels. There are two inmates per level, and in the center of each level is a giant hole. A platform filled with food descends the hole, and the inmates only have two minutes to eat as much as they can. Unfortunately, those on the upper levels are able to take more food, while those at the bottom only get what’s left…or nothing at all. It’s usually the latter, but the inmates can do nothing about it.

Each month, the inmates are randomly assigned a different floor. So it’s pure luck if they’re able to get to an upper level, but it’s a terrible one if they get a lower. While contained in these cells, they’re able to bring one item with them. One character brings their dog, while another brings some rope.

The film stars Iván Massagué Horta, who plays a man named Goreng. He brings along the book, Don Quixote, in which some of the themes, such as chivalry, play out in the film. Goreng shows signs of chivalry, a contrast to other characters who show nothing more but ignorance as they fend for themselves.