The allure of dystopian worlds has always captivated movie enthusiasts, especially when those worlds feel eerily close to reality. In recent years, several intriguing premises have emerged, depicting unfavorable futures for humanity, as seen in movies like “In Time” and “Interstellar.”
One such film, “What Happened to Monday” (known as “Qué pasó con Lunes” in Latin America and “Siete hermanas” in Spain), released in 2017, delves into the theme of overpopulation and the scarcity of resources to sustain it. In response, the government establishes a law that allows each family to have only one child. Against this backdrop, seven sisters are born, septuplets, and they are entrusted to their grandfather, Terrence, who teaches them how to live and survive in this world.
Each sister is named after a day of the week and is only allowed to leave their home on their designated day. Despite their distinct personalities, tastes, and styles, they must all assume the identity of Karen Settman to protect their lives. If caught, they are sent to the so-called cryobank, where non-firstborns are put to sleep until the world is in a better position to provide for everyone.
As adults, the sisters have adapted to their reality, but one day, Monday doesn’t return. This event sets off a chain reaction, forcing the remaining sisters to unravel the truth, revealing not only the mystery behind Monday’s disappearance but also the flaws within society itself.
Set in the year 2073, the film introduces Glenn Close as the villain, Nicolette Cayman, a politician willing to do anything to save the world from famine and poverty. Noomi Rapace portrays all seven sisters – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – while the incredible Willem Dafoe embodies their grandfather, Terrence Settman.
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While the premise is intriguing and explores a future that could easily become our reality, the film falls short by prioritizing action and chase sequences over delving deeper into the central theme. It would have been interesting to see a more substantial exploration of the issue of birth control rather than merely using it as a starting point. A prime example of successfully addressing such a delicate topic with the right blend of action is Alfonso Cuarón’s film, “Children of Men.”
Furthermore, Rapace delivers a commendable performance as all seven sisters, but the involvement of Glenn Close is underutilized, as she has limited screen time that doesn’t allow her to showcase her talent. The same can be said for Willem Dafoe, an actor known for his ability to deliver remarkable performances. While both actors fulfill their roles admirably, it would have been enjoyable to see more of them.
Despite failing to fully realize its potential, the movie accomplishes its objective: to entertain and present a gripping and engaging storyline. It also delivers surprises, with numerous plot twists that contribute to the narrative and infuse a sense of suspense. Overall, it is a fantastic choice for popcorn-movie enthusiasts seeking entertainment and those who enjoy this type of story.
“What Happened to Monday” is available on Netflix in most Latin American countries and the United States. For viewers in Spain, it can be found on HBO Max.
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