What Happened To Monday? A Netflix Movie Deep Dive
Hey guys, let's dive into a seriously mind-bending movie available on Netflix: What Happened to Monday. This flick is a wild ride, and if you haven't seen it yet, you're in for a treat! We're talking about a dystopian future, a whole bunch of identical sisters, and a government that's not playing fair. So, buckle up because we're about to unpack everything from the plot to the characters and why this movie has stuck with so many people. Also, we will dive into what makes this movie a great choice for your next movie night.
The Core Concept: Overpopulation and the One-Child Policy
At the heart of What Happened to Monday lies a chilling premise: overpopulation has become such a crisis that governments are forced to take drastic measures. In this dystopian world, the authorities have implemented a strict one-child policy. Now, imagine being one of seven identical septuplet sisters – talk about a problem, right? This is the reality for the Settman sisters, each named after a day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Their grandfather, Terrence Settman, played by the awesome Willem Dafoe, has to make a tough choice to keep them all alive. He decides to hide them. Each sister is allowed to go outside only on the day of the week that corresponds to her name. It's a high-stakes game of survival, where one wrong move could expose them all. This core concept sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. The film cleverly uses this premise to create suspense, forcing you to question who can be trusted and what each sister will do to survive. The idea of the one-child policy is a key driver for the narrative.
The film masterfully builds tension by using the concept of limited exposure. Each sister has a designated day to venture outside, allowing the audience to experience the story from different perspectives. This clever narrative choice adds depth to each character. The audience slowly learns about the girls' personalities and how they handle their unique situation. Each sister has to behave as the same person, Karen Settman, and each must be in sync when out in public. It is a very impressive idea. This builds empathy, as you begin to understand the struggles and sacrifices each sister must make. It's not just a survival story, it is a story about the bonds of sisterhood. The film underscores how the bond can be a powerful force against adversity. The sisters' dependence on each other is a central theme, highlighting the importance of family in the face of totalitarian control. The story uses visual storytelling in an effective way. The use of a single actress, Noomi Rapace, playing all seven sisters, is a testament to her acting talent. This technique adds to the suspense and creates a sense of the uncanny. The different personalities of the sisters are clearly demonstrated, and the film does a great job of showcasing the distinct character of each sister. The director, Tommy Wirkola, successfully uses each sister's different styles to create a variety of suspenseful scenarios. For example, Monday is more of a leader, while Friday is very rebellious.
The Plot Thickens: When Monday Goes Missing
Things take a dramatic turn when Monday doesn't return home. This triggers a chain of events that throws the sisters' carefully constructed lives into chaos. The remaining sisters must now work together to find out what happened to Monday and protect their secret from being discovered by the Child Allocation Bureau (CAB). This organization, led by the ruthless Nicolette Cayman, played by Glenn Close, is the enforcement arm of the one-child policy. The CAB is not just a bunch of bureaucrats; they are a formidable force with the power to disappear anyone who violates the law. As the sisters try to locate Monday, they are relentlessly pursued by CAB agents, leading to a series of thrilling chases and intense action sequences. The film excels in the action department, with well-choreographed fight scenes and suspenseful moments. The film will keep you on the edge of your seat. The stakes are high, as each sister's life hangs in the balance. The narrative skillfully intertwines action with moments of emotional depth. The sisters must face a difficult series of tests and betrayals. The film explores what it means to be human in a world where individuality is suppressed. As the remaining sisters start to get into serious trouble, they begin to question each other. This causes friction between the sisters. The search for Monday becomes a fight for survival, and as the sisters try to unravel the truth, they encounter various plot twists and surprises. They must learn to trust each other, while trying to outsmart a relentless enemy. The missing Monday is the film's first major plot twist. It propels the story forward and leads to a series of conflicts. The sisters must find out what happened to their sister, or risk being caught by the CAB. The suspense is well-maintained throughout the plot. The audience is kept guessing, as the sisters try to navigate a dangerous world. The constant threat of being discovered keeps the audience engaged, and the twists keep them surprised.
Unpacking the Characters: Who's Who in the Settman Family?
Alright, let's get to know the Settman sisters a bit better, because, well, they're the heart and soul of this movie. Noomi Rapace does an amazing job portraying all seven sisters. The film uses each sister to show different sides of the personality. The sisters do have a very distinct personality. Each sister gets a chance to shine, and each has her own strength. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the movie. It is an amazing and impressive performance, which gives depth and nuance to each sister. Each sister plays a unique role, contributing to the complexity of the story.
- Monday: The responsible one, the leader of the group, and the first to go missing. She's the one who's always taken charge, making sure everything runs smoothly. Her disappearance sets the whole story in motion. She is the first sister to go missing. Monday's character is the first to experience the dangerous life outside of her home. Her disappearance is a major mystery, which sets the movie in motion. Her character arc is an important driver of the movie.
 - Tuesday: Known for her intelligence and resourcefulness. She is more pragmatic and logical. She often brings a sense of level-headedness to the group, especially in crisis situations. Tuesday's character acts as the mediator within the group. She uses her intelligence to help her sisters. Her problem-solving skills come into use, when they are trying to figure out what happened to Monday.
 - Wednesday: The tech-savvy sister. She's the one who handles all the gadgets and tech, the resident hacker. She is often the one to make calls. She is always behind the scenes. She is a very useful member of the group, providing them with technical expertise.
 - Thursday: The athletic one, the one with the fighting skills. She is the most physical of the sisters, and she is the first to take action. She is often the one to protect her sisters. She is strong and decisive, often taking on the role of protector.
 - Friday: A free spirit, the most rebellious. She is the one who goes against the rules. She is not always on board with their grandfather's plan. Friday's independent nature and strong will make her a character to watch. She is very important to the group.
 - Saturday: The fashion-forward sister. She is interested in beauty. She is concerned about appearances. Saturday brings a sense of glamor to the group. Her character shows a different side of the group. Saturday's character represents the softer side of the group.
 - Sunday: The most gentle, kind, and artistic. She is the one who loves art and music, and has a softer personality. Sunday's character is an important part of the group's bond. She provides balance.
 
The Antagonist: Nicolette Cayman
Let's not forget the villain, Nicolette Cayman, played with chilling precision by Glenn Close. She's the head of the CAB and the ultimate antagonist. She believes she's doing the right thing, that the ends justify the means. However, her methods are brutal. She is a formidable force. The sisters must outsmart her to survive. Her ruthlessness makes her a very effective antagonist. Her performance is chilling, and her character is very memorable. Her actions add tension to the movie.
Why What Happened to Monday Still Resonates
So, why does What Happened to Monday continue to capture audiences' attention? Here's the deal:
- Intriguing Concept: The central idea of a one-child policy and the hidden septuplets is inherently fascinating. It's a high-concept sci-fi thriller. It forces you to think about different things. The concept is unique.
 - Strong Performances: Noomi Rapace's performance is incredible, but the supporting cast is also stellar. Close brings a chilling authority to her role. The acting is one of the film's strong points.
 - Non-Stop Suspense: The film keeps you guessing, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged. The story is well-paced. The suspenseful moments keep you interested.
 - Thought-Provoking Themes: It delves into important topics like family, survival, government control, and identity. This adds to the depth of the story.
 - Action-Packed: There are plenty of thrilling action sequences to keep you entertained. It's not just a thinking movie, it's also exciting.
 
Beyond the Plot: Themes and Messages
What Happened to Monday is more than just a thrilling action movie. It explores complex themes that resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. These themes add layers to the story, making it more than just entertainment. It gives the audience things to consider.
The Power of Family
The most prominent theme is the importance of family. The bond between the seven sisters is the driving force of the film. They are willing to risk everything to protect each other. The film underscores how the bonds of family can provide strength and resilience. The sisters' love and care for each other emphasize the film's emotional core.
The Dangers of Totalitarianism
The film also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive government control. The one-child policy is a direct result of totalitarianism. The CAB's ruthless enforcement of the policy highlights the potential for abuse of power. The movie warns against the suppression of individual rights.
Identity and Sacrifice
The sisters are forced to live a life of deception. They have to adopt a shared identity to survive. The film questions the value of individuality in the face of survival. Each sister makes sacrifices to protect her siblings. The film emphasizes the choices people make to protect the ones they love.
Conclusion: A Netflix Gem
What Happened to Monday is a must-watch movie on Netflix that blends suspenseful action with thought-provoking themes. From its gripping premise to the outstanding performances of the cast, especially Noomi Rapace, the film keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. If you're looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat and get you thinking, this is definitely the one for you. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a wild ride. You won't regret it. Give it a watch, and let me know what you think, guys!"