What Happened To Monday: A Netflix Movie Review

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon a movie on Netflix that just completely grabs you, throws you for a loop, and leaves you thinking about it for days? Well, "What Happened to Monday" is exactly that kind of film. This sci-fi thriller is a wild ride from start to finish, and I’m here to break down why it’s totally worth checking out. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of seven sisters fighting for survival in a seriously messed-up future.

The Core Concept: Overpopulation and a Drastic Solution

At its heart, "What Happened to Monday" tackles a pretty heavy topic: overpopulation. Imagine a not-so-distant future where the Earth’s resources are stretched to their absolute limit. The government, in a desperate attempt to control the population, implements a draconian one-child policy. This is where things get really interesting. Glenn Close plays Nicolette Cayman, the chilling head of the Child Allocation Bureau, whose job is to enforce this policy. Any extra children are supposedly put into cryogenic sleep, waiting for a better time when the world can support them. Sounds super ethical, right? Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Now, here's where our main characters come in. Willem Dafoe plays Terrence Settman, a father who faces the impossible situation of having septuplets – seven identical daughters. In a world where only one child is allowed, keeping them alive is a monumental challenge. Terrence decides to raise them in secret, each named after a day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each sister is allowed to go out into the world only on their designated day, posing as one person: Karen Settman. Talk about a complicated schedule, huh?

The setup is genius because it immediately creates this intense sense of tension and secrecy. You’re constantly on edge, wondering how long they can keep this charade up. The film does a fantastic job of portraying the claustrophobia and the constant fear that these sisters live with. It's a world where one slip-up could mean certain death for all of them. This constant threat is what drives the entire narrative and keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The film really makes you think about the ethical implications of such a policy and the lengths people will go to survive. It’s not just about action; it’s about making you question the value of individual lives versus the survival of society as a whole.

Noomi Rapace's Incredible Performance: A One-Woman Show

Let's be real, the absolute standout of this movie is Noomi Rapace. She doesn't just play one character; she plays seven different characters, each with their own distinct personality, quirks, and emotional baggage. It’s a mind-blowing performance. Rapace completely embodies each sister, making them feel like fully realized individuals. Monday is the ambitious leader, Tuesday is the rebellious one, Wednesday is the researcher, and so on. Each sister has her own strengths and weaknesses, and Rapace brings them all to life with incredible nuance.

What's particularly impressive is how she manages to differentiate them not just through costumes and makeup (although those are on point too), but through her body language, her voice, and her mannerisms. You can tell which sister is which just by the way she walks into a room or the way she delivers a line. It's truly a masterclass in acting. And it’s not just about portraying seven different personalities; it’s about showing the bond between them. Despite their differences, these sisters share a deep connection, and Rapace makes you believe that they've spent their entire lives together, relying on each other for survival. The emotional range she displays is just phenomenal. There are moments of intense action, heart-wrenching drama, and even some dark humor, and Rapace nails every single one of them. Honestly, even if the movie wasn't great (which it is), Noomi Rapace's performance alone would be worth the watch. She carries the entire film on her shoulders and delivers a performance that you won't soon forget.

Action-Packed and Suspenseful: A Thrill Ride

Beyond the thought-provoking themes and stellar acting, "What Happened to Monday" is just a flat-out entertaining action movie. The film is packed with intense fight scenes, thrilling chases, and plenty of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. The action sequences are brutally realistic and expertly choreographed. They're not just mindless explosions; they're grounded in the story and serve to heighten the stakes. You really feel the danger that the sisters are in, and you're constantly worried about whether they'll make it out alive.

The suspense is also cranked up to eleven. The film is full of twists and turns that you won't see coming. Just when you think you have it figured out, something completely unexpected happens that throws everything into chaos. The pacing is perfect, never letting up for too long and always keeping you guessing. It’s the kind of movie where you’re constantly holding your breath, wondering what’s going to happen next. And it’s not just about the big action set pieces; it’s about the small moments of tension, the close calls, and the near misses. These moments are just as effective in creating a sense of dread and anticipation. The film masterfully builds tension throughout, leading to a satisfying and explosive climax. If you're a fan of action thrillers, you definitely won't be disappointed.

Dystopian World-Building: A Glimpse into a Scary Future

One of the things that really stands out about "What Happened to Monday" is its immersive and believable dystopian world. The film does a fantastic job of creating a future that feels both plausible and terrifying. The visuals are stunning, and the world-building is top-notch. You really get a sense of what it would be like to live in a society where your every move is monitored and controlled.

The film explores the social and political implications of overpopulation and the extreme measures that governments might take to control it. It raises important questions about individual freedom, government surveillance, and the value of human life. It’s not just about the action and the suspense; it’s about making you think about the kind of world we’re creating for ourselves. The attention to detail in the world-building is remarkable. From the architecture to the technology to the social customs, everything feels carefully considered and deliberately designed to create a sense of unease and oppression. The film uses its dystopian setting to explore themes of identity, conformity, and resistance. It’s a world where individuality is suppressed and conformity is enforced, but the sisters refuse to be defined by the system. They fight for their right to exist, for their right to be individuals, and for their right to choose their own destinies. This struggle is what makes the film so compelling and so relevant to our own times. We can see the elements of this dystopia already present in our own society, and that’s what makes it so chilling.

Final Verdict: Why You Should Watch It

So, should you watch "What Happened to Monday"? Absolutely. It’s a gripping, action-packed, and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller with a mind-blowing performance from Noomi Rapace. The story is original, the world-building is immersive, and the suspense will keep you hooked until the very end. It’s the kind of movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, making you question the world around you and the choices we make as a society. Trust me, you won't regret adding this one to your Netflix queue. It’s a wild ride that’s well worth taking. Go give it a watch, and let me know what you think!