Movie Review: What Happened to Monday (2017)
Director: Tommy Wirkola
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Willem Dafoe, Glenn Close
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Action
Runtime: 123 minutes
Rating: TV-MA
Plot Summary: What Happened to Monday is set in a dystopian future where overpopulation has led to a strict one-child policy enforced by the Child Allocation Bureau (CAB). The story revolves around seven identical sisters named after the days of the week, all portrayed by Noomi Rapace. These sisters live in hiding, taking turns to go outside under a single identity: Karen Settman. The plot thickens when Monday goes missing, and the remaining sisters must uncover what happened to her while evading detection by the CAB, led by Nicolette Cayman (Glenn Close).
Performances: Noomi Rapace delivers a stellar performance, convincingly portraying seven distinct characters with unique personalities and traits. Each sister feels like a separate individual, which is a testament to Rapace’s acting prowess. Willem Dafoe, as the grandfather who raised the sisters, and Glenn Close, as the antagonist, provide strong support and add depth to the narrative.
Direction and Cinematography: Director Tommy Wirkola creates a tense, atmospheric film that balances action with a thought-provoking storyline. The cinematography effectively captures the grim and oppressive nature of the futuristic setting, enhancing the film’s dystopian feel. Action sequences are well-choreographed and keep the audience engaged, though some may feel the shift from a cerebral thriller to action-heavy scenes is somewhat jarring.
Themes: The film explores themes of identity, individuality, and state control. It raises questions about the ethics of population control and the sacrifices made in the name of societal stability. The sisters’ struggle to maintain their individual identities while living as one person adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Critique: What Happened to Monday has been praised for its originality and the complexity of its main character(s). However, the film has received mixed reviews regarding its execution. Some critics feel the plot becomes too conventional as it progresses, relying heavily on action tropes at the expense of deeper exploration of its themes. The pacing can be inconsistent, with some parts of the film feeling rushed while others drag.
Reception: The film has garnered a mixed critical reception but generally positive audience reviews. It stands out for its unique premise and Rapace’s performance, though it may not fully satisfy those looking for a deeply philosophical sci-fi experience.
Keywords from Netnaija:
- Dystopian future
- Overpopulation
- One-child policy
- Identical sisters
- Noomi Rapace
- Child Allocation Bureau
- Disappearance
- Sci-fi thriller
- Action-packed
- State control
- Identity and individuality
Conclusion
What Happened to Monday is an intriguing sci-fi thriller with a compelling concept and strong central performance. While it may not fully capitalize on its potential for depth, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking film. Fans of dystopian narratives and action thrillers will likely find it a worthwhile watch On Netnaija .
