“What Happened to Monday” is a dystopian thriller film released in 2017 and directed by Tommy Wirkola. It narrates a gripping tale of suspense and emotion while simultaneously presenting a dystopian future where families are torn apart by forceful population control policies.
The film has a rather intriguing portrayal of a family and highlights mankind’s omnipresent theme of identity and survival. It further deepens with action intertwined in a family’s struggle to survive and is played out when actress Noomi Rapace takes on the audacious role of seven identical sisters. Each sister has a unique personality which together captures the essence of the story.
Synopsis
The film is set in the near future where scarcity of resources is a rampant issue. “What Happened to Monday” highlights the consequences of overpopulation and the limited resources. Governments have enforced a draconian one-child policy where, in an attempt to control overpopulation, additional children are forcefully removed from families.
In the novel, “What Happened to Monday” Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the dramatization entails the gripping storyline of fictitious plagued reality in the society so harsh that every family is only allowed to keep a singular child. Each family is only allowed a single child. Upon the death of the sisters’ mother, Terrence Settman, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, makes the decision to foster his granddaughters. For the purpose of safeguarding the children from the whole world, Terrence decides to let each sister roam only on the day of the week corresponding to her name—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As a result of this, the children are able to protected from the world.” As a result of this system, the children are able to be protected from the awful world outside.
Terrence Settman was able to provide his granddaughters an identity to live through. In the outside world, the girls are known only by the name of ‘Karen Settman.’ In this overpopulated world, the girls live day after day sharing existence and an identity.
Three decades have gone by in the blink of an eye but the system is shattered one day when “Monday” does not return.
In the Modern Age, “Monday” decides to rebel and this in result “Monday’s” unexplain absence leads to others to slowly follow her. Each individual sister must piece together the mystery without being exposed and at the same time, staying alive. This is the only world they have known and it is under constant threat from the system they have so scheme so much to escape.
As the other sisters look into the matter, they begin digging into secrets pertaining to the other known sisters, the government, and their very own family. This sparks a very thrilling uncovering experience and testing loyalty, identity, and trust.
Together the sisters have lived their entire lives under the name “Karen Settman”. Though they have lived under the name of a single identity, they are still treated as a single identity, they all have different strengths to offer. While in the search of Monday, the sisters are put up to the risk of loosing the freedom of a concealed life and forced to step up to the lethal life beyond.
Characters and Performances
Apart form the storyline the film is most recognizable because of the performance Rapace gave. Having the responsibility of portraying all 7 sisters in incredible difficult, but Rapace has managed to deliver every single one of the stereotypes accurately resulting in the sisters being significantly different from one another and easy to tell apart.
Monday is a character who is very mature and bears a lot of responsibility. As a result, she is focused and highly serious.
Tuesday is someone who is softer and very emotional.
Wednesday is known to be the physically the strongest and most confident of the group.
As one of the siblings, Thursday is quick to rebel and thinks of acting foolish.
The character of Friday is the smartest of the group. She is also very good with technology and has a skill on most topics.
The last two siblings are Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is a outgoing with a lively attitude, while Sunday is known to be soft spoken, deeply caring, and highly spiritual.
Through her performance, Rapace crafts not only a believable family composed of seven characters but also one filled with love and conflict. Their interactions, be it mutual consolation or disagreement about the next course of action, feel genuine.
As the girls’ grandfather, Willem Dafoe deepens the emotional weight of the character. While his screen time is limited, his role is foundational to the girls’ upbringing. The love and guidance of his character, along with his planning, contributed to their survival.
Another prominent character is Nicolette Cayman, a political figure who imposes the one child per family law. Played by Glenn Close, Cayman personifies the draconian decisions governments must make to maintain social order—no matter how protective such policies are, they can be detrimental at a human level.
Themes and Messages
- Identity and Individuality
The struggle between individual identity and collective existence is most pronounced within the film’s context. The sisters are required to live as one person in the public sphere, and as a result, they are forced to suppress parts of their identity. This situation poses the philosophical dilemma: what does it mean to be yourself in a world that does not let you be seen?
- Family and Loyalty
Notwithstanding their differences, the sisters have a profound connection. In this regard, their commitment to each other is unwavering, and their collaboration is crucial for their continued existence. The story underscores the depth of family—both in structure and the emotional glue that sustains individuals through difficult times.
- Sacrifice and Freedom
As the enigma is solved, it becomes evident that sacrifice is a prominent focus. Certain individuals forfeit their safety, aspirations, or even their lives for those dear to them. The question raised in the film is: how much are we prepared to sacrifice for our loved ones? And is the risk of freedom worth a dangerously high price?
- Government and Control
This film also concerns the issue of societal control versus individual liberties. While the policies are aimed at the protection of prospective generations, their execution poses ethical challenges. It urges the audience to reflect upon the consequences of policies devoid of empathy.
Visual Style and Direction
Using technology that advances rather than detracts from the narrative, Director Tommy Wirkola depicts the future in a way that feels both known and slightly sophisticated. His portrayal is underpinned by a muted, realistic tone, providing the world with familiarity.
The scenes from the sister’s apartment give a peek of the twins’ secluded lives. The outside reveals a highly organized and orderly world, a reflection of a society that prioritizes structure over personal freedom.
The action scenes may have a meticulous order to them, but the focus on the characters’ feelings and choices overshadows any put on show.
Conclusion
“What’s For Monday” is a powerful piece of science fiction that allows deep reflection on the significant human themes that it explores. It explores the boundaries of personal freedom, self-identity, and the dilemmas of providing protection to those you care for. The emotional and thrilling elements are enhanced in the film by Noomi Rapace’s commanding performance and a captivating narrative.
The core remains: a suspenseful and adventurous plot of seven sisters, fighting not only for survival, but for the fundamental right to embrace their true identity.
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