What Happened to Monday

In a dystopian future where families can only have one child, 'What Happened to Monday' presents a thrilling concept that quickly unravels into a chaotic mess. While it sets up an intriguing premise, the film doesn't quite stick the landing.

A Dystopian Family Drama

The film follows a set of identical septuplets, each named after a day of the week, who must navigate a world where overpopulation has led to strict government regulations limiting families to one child. When one of them goes missing, the remaining sisters must unravel a conspiracy while avoiding the authoritarian regime that wishes to put them into a deep sleep. It's a blend of action and mystery that aims to explore the bonds of sisterhood against a backdrop of societal control and personal identity, but it often flounders in its execution.

Sisters Attempting to Shine

Noomi Rapace takes on the challenge of portraying all seven sisters, and while her performances showcase a commendable range, they sometimes lack the distinctiveness needed to easily differentiate the characters. Glenn Close as the villainous Nicolette Cayman delivers a solid, if familiar, performance but feels underutilized. Willem Dafoe as the girls' grandfather brings heart to the film, but his character's potential goes underexplored. The ensemble struggles with the script, and at times, their character arcs feel rushed or shallow, preventing deeper emotional connections.

Ambitious but Familiar Aesthetic

Tommy Wirkola's direction is ambitious, with a clear attempt to create a visually stimulating dystopia, but he often relies too heavily on clichés. The cinematography shines in the action sequences, employing flashy visuals and tight editing, yet it loses clarity in moments intended for emotional depth. The film suffers from pacing issues, dragging in the middle as the plot stumbles, and the inconsistent tone makes it hard to fully engage. Despite some creative set designs, the overall aesthetic feels familiar, echoing other dystopian films without carving out its unique space.

Tension Mixed with Tedium

Watching 'What Happened to Monday' is a mix of tension and tedium. The concept is thrilling, and initial scenes promise a gripping story, but as the film progresses, it becomes apparent that the plot's meandering nature compromises emotional engagement. There are moments of genuine suspense, particularly when the sisters face off against the oppressive government, but these are interspersed with lengthy stretches of exposition that dull the urgency. While the climax can be exhilarating, the buildup often feels like a chore, leading to frustration rather than catharsis.