Today’s quick review: What Happened to Monday. In a future where global food shortages have led to a strict one-child-per-family policy, seven siblings (Noomi Rapace) share the identity of Karen Settman. Trained to work together by their grandfather (Willem Dafoe), the Settmans take turns venturing out of their apartment to live and work as Karen. But when Monday goes missing, it’s up to her sisters to find her without compromising their secret.
What Happened to Monday is a dystopian sci-fi thriller about seven sisters forced to share a single life. What Happened to Monday goes all-in with its premise, fleshing out a world where identity tracking is everywhere and illegal siblings are forced to take extreme measures to survive. The combination of a strong sci-fi premise, a capable lead in Noomi Rapace, and an elaborate plot make the movie a worthwhile pick in spite of a few significant flaws.
What Happened to Monday doesn’t pull its punches. Events that would be jokes or minor setbacks in other dystopian sci-fi stories have dire consequences for the Settmans. In spite of the improbable setup, the stakes are high and the tone is serious. Noomi Rapace juggles her seven roles with skill; the siblings feel like distinct characters and interact organically. The plot also has enough meat on its bones to make for a satisfying thriller.
Where the movie runs into problems is with the details of its story. The Settmans are always behind the curve; while their mistakes are often justified, the movie is inconsistent about how and when it chooses to punish them. The movie has a hard time balancing the conflict between the Settmans and the Child Allocation Bureau, and its plot logic doesn’t hold up to close scrutiny. The villain, Dr. Nicolette Cayman (Glenn Close), is also uncompelling.
What Happened to Monday is a good pick for sci-fi fans in the mood for something a little darker. The movie takes an interesting premise and runs with it, serving up a fully developed mystery with good twists and turns. However, What Happened to Monday does make enough mistakes that critical viewers will have a hard time getting lost in its world. Those hoping for a dramatic masterpiece will want to skip it, as will those who want something lighter.
For a classic sci-fi movie with a similar premise, try Logan’s Run. For a dystopian sci-fi thriller with a tighter plot, try Minority Report. For a similar flavor of dystopian sci-fi with a more family-friendly tone, try The Giver. For a more sober drama about a man living a lie in a futurisitic dystopia, try Gattaca.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid execution of an interesting premise, let down a few plot holes and a weak villain.