What Happened to Monday

Let me start by saying that I did not expect this movie to play out the way it did. The acting by Noomi Rapace is nothing but phenomenal. The movie does have the basic, typical plot in regards to the whole dystopia and one child policy that has been seen before. However, the notion of the seven sisters working together to survive was what made this storyline unique. Although Noomi played seven roles, each character had the chance of sharing their story and distinctive traits. I definitely recommend this movie. Netflix pulled this movie out of a hat.

Set in the near future, where certain genetically modified foods have led to a massive increase in multiple births, there isn't enough food to feed the increasing population. To counter this a strict one child policy is enforced; younger siblings are placed in cryosleep to await better times. When Karen Settman dies giving birth to identical septuplets they are raised in secret by their grandfather; he names them after the days of the week. When they are old enough he lets each one out on the day corresponding to their name... on that day they are Karen Settman.

Thirty years pass and 'Karen' is working at a bank. As before each is Karen for their one day. Everything goes well until one day Monday doesn't return home... is she just late or has something happened to her? Tuesday tries to discover what happened but when she too disappears the sisters realise they are in real danger; somebody wants then eliminated. The remaining sisters will have to work together and face danger many times before they learn some shocking truths.

I really enjoyed this dystopian sci-fi; I couldn't help thinking that is was like the series 'Orphan Black' crossed with the classic film 'Soylent Green' without ever feeling like a rip off of either. There are plenty of twists and turns. We get lots of impressive, sometimes gory, action and a real sense of danger for our protagonist sisters. Noomi Rapace is great in the role of all seven sisters; each subtly different in look and behaviour. The supporting cast, which includes Glenn Close and Willem Dafoe are solid too. The film raises interesting questions; if the population continues to grow will limits on children be legally imposed or will it just be accepted that people won't get to eat as much... assuming new farming techniques don't solve the problem first. Overall an impressive film; I'd certainly recommend it to fans of the genre; I'm surprised it isn't better known.

I honestly don't understand the bad reviews behind this film. I'm writing this, not as a review of the events or themes that take place; but rather, a questioning of expectations from the average film viewer.

It should be fairly obvious that to enjoy any motion picture, one must enable their sense of disbelief. This means when you watch a fantasy film or show you don't question the reality of wands, spells, dragons, etc. Instead, you allow yourself to be immersed within the story. After all, the entire point of art is to transport yourself within the world of the artist.

I take issue with criticism from professional critics to the average person on the basis of "realism," "continuity," and/or any other tropes related to the experience of (in this case film), art.

This movie uses certain themes that have a major impact in the possible near future as its basis for storytelling, and therefore, I can see why some might attempt to hold the themes as a basis to grade its merits.

I must contest this though as I would say you don't read an Asimov, Clarke, Dick, novel and complain that your predictions of the future aren't the same as the author's do you? While watching this I'm reminded of my experience of watching "Minority Report" and it's safe to say that that version of the future hasn't come close to existing yet, but nonetheless it's a masterful bit of storytelling. The point though is this, sure there are holes in almost any plot, especially in films that don't coincide with our present day notions of reality; but what has that to do with our ability to enjoy a film?

Be honest with yourself for a moment, when you're watching anything but a documentary (and even then..) you're primary concern is the entertainment value. To which, this film delivers in spades.

There's great drama, great action, great acting, and one person playing 7 roles. What more could you ask for? Anyone who denigrates this film, I have to know, what are your expectations, and what are your favorite films?

8/18/17 23:38

Not sure what's not to like about this flick. Unique premise, intriguing plot, plenty of action, and a decent performances from a top notch cast.

If you can't sit back and enjoy then you're taking things a bit too seriously.

Well the story portraits 7 siblings trying to live at an overpopulated world. Each one of them a day of the week.

I haven't read the book and the story is not so distant. At first seems kind of boring but then gets quite intense and thrilling. The final is not what you'd expect.

Maybe the story is not so accurate with real problems, but come on! it's Sci-Fi, not a documentary. The acting is wonderful, if Oscars were not preconfigured to drama, Noomi Rapace at least would be nominated. She portraits seven different personalities, seven different aspects, virtually seven different personas in one set. Which even though has some slight flaws is quite an acting showcase. And that needs to be applauded. (Trust me she did better than Legend, the Tom Hardy one with the twins).

Directors, editors and photography did a great job mixing one person into seven, again, had some flaws but was good work and needs to be applauded.

Supporting actors were not that great, excluding Marwan Kenzari who did a good job. Is not a must watch either a blockbuster for the summer, but it will be a story that you may enjoy any given day.