What Happened To Monday: A Netflix Show Breakdown

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon a movie that just grabs you from the first scene and doesn't let go? That's exactly how I felt about What Happened to Monday, a Netflix original that dives deep into a dystopian future with a seriously mind-bending plot. If you're scratching your head, wondering what all the fuss is about or just need a recap, you're in the right place. Let's break down this wild ride together!

The Premise: Overpopulation and the Child Allocation Bureau

In What Happened to Monday, the world is grappling with severe overpopulation. Imagine food shortages, environmental disasters, and governments struggling to maintain order. To combat this crisis, the Child Allocation Bureau, or CAB, is established, led by the ruthless Nicolette Cayman, played by Glenn Close. The CAB enforces a strict "one child per family" policy. Any additional siblings are put into cryogenic sleep, with the promise of being revived when the world can sustain them. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong.

Now, enter Terrence Settman, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, who faces an impossible situation: his daughter gives birth to septuplets. Instead of surrendering his granddaughters to the CAB, Terrence decides to raise them in secret. He names them after the days of the week—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—and devises a plan to keep them hidden from the outside world. Each sister is allowed to go outside only on the day of the week that corresponds with her name. This means Monday can only go out on Mondays, Tuesday on Tuesdays, and so on. They all share the same identity when they are out in public: Karen Settman.

This carefully orchestrated existence works, albeit with extreme discipline and coordination, for about 30 years. The Settman sisters develop distinct personalities, skills, and desires, but they are all bound by the need to protect their secret. The tension and complexity of their shared life are palpable, making for compelling viewing. The delicate balance of their world is shattered when, one day, Monday disappears without a trace after going to work. This disappearance sets off a chain of events that unravels their meticulously constructed lives and exposes them to dangers they never imagined.

Characters: The Septuplets and Their Individual Struggles

The heart of What Happened to Monday lies in the seven Settman sisters, all played by Noomi Rapace. Each sister has a unique personality and set of skills, making them distinct individuals despite sharing a single identity in the outside world. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

• Monday: As the firstborn, Monday is the de facto leader. She is responsible, organized, and has a strong sense of duty. Her disappearance kicks off the film's central conflict, and her absence is deeply felt by her sisters.
• Tuesday: Tuesday is the rebellious one, always pushing boundaries and questioning the rules. Her impulsive nature often puts the sisters in danger, but she is also fiercely loyal and protective.
• Wednesday: Wednesday is the fighter. Skilled in combat and weaponry, she is the muscle of the group, always ready to defend her sisters. Her resourcefulness and courage are invaluable in their fight for survival.
• Thursday: Thursday is the tech expert. She is intelligent and resourceful, using her skills to hack into systems and gather information. Her technical abilities are crucial to the sisters' ability to stay one step ahead of the CAB.
• Friday: Friday is the researcher and strategist. She meticulously gathers information and analyzes situations, helping the sisters make informed decisions. Her analytical skills are essential for navigating the complex web of deceit and danger.
• Saturday: Saturday is the free spirit, often dreaming of a life beyond their confined existence. Her optimism and hope provide a counterbalance to the harsh realities they face.
• Sunday: Sunday is the caregiver, compassionate and empathetic. She is the glue that holds the sisters together, providing emotional support and understanding.

Each of the septuplets brings a unique dynamic to the group. The brilliance of Noomi Rapace's performance is how she embodies each sister so convincingly. The relationships between the sisters are complex and believable. Their shared history and the constant threat of discovery create a powerful bond, but their individual desires and struggles often lead to conflict. This interplay of loyalty, rivalry, and love makes the characters feel real and relatable, even in the context of a dystopian thriller.

Twists and Turns: Unraveling the Conspiracy

What Happened to Monday is packed with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. As the sisters investigate Monday's disappearance, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the CAB. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous their situation becomes. Allies turn into enemies, and the sisters are forced to question everything they thought they knew.

The film expertly uses red herrings and misdirection to keep the audience on edge. Just when you think you've figured out the truth, another revelation throws everything into question. This constant sense of uncertainty adds to the film's tension and makes for a thrilling viewing experience. One of the biggest twists involves the true nature of the CAB's operations. What starts as a seemingly benevolent effort to manage overpopulation is revealed to be something far more sinister. This moral ambiguity adds depth to the story, forcing the audience to consider the ethical implications of the choices made by the characters.

The action sequences in What Happened to Monday are intense and well-choreographed. The Settman sisters, particularly Wednesday, demonstrate impressive combat skills as they fight to protect themselves and uncover the truth. These action scenes are not just gratuitous violence; they serve to advance the plot and highlight the sisters' resourcefulness and determination. The film also explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the will to survive. Each sister must grapple with her own sense of self and her role in the group. They are willing to make sacrifices for each other, demonstrating the strength of their bond. Their fight for survival is not just physical; it is also a fight to maintain their individuality and humanity in the face of oppression.

Themes: Identity, Sacrifice, and Survival

At its core, What Happened to Monday is a story about identity, sacrifice, and survival. The Settman sisters struggle to maintain their individual identities while sharing a single persona in the outside world. They are constantly forced to make sacrifices for each other, and their survival depends on their ability to work together.

The film raises questions about the value of individuality in a world that seeks to control and homogenize. The sisters' fight to maintain their distinct personalities is a powerful statement about the importance of being true to oneself. They risk everything to protect their individuality, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit.

Sacrifice is a recurring theme throughout the film. The sisters are willing to put themselves in danger to protect each other, and they make difficult choices that have lasting consequences. These sacrifices highlight the depth of their bond and their commitment to each other's well-being. Survival is the ultimate goal for the Settman sisters. They must navigate a dangerous world filled with enemies and obstacles. Their resourcefulness, courage, and determination are tested at every turn. Their will to survive is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall Thoughts: Is It Worth Watching?

So, is What Happened to Monday worth watching? Absolutely! If you're a fan of dystopian thrillers with strong female leads and a complex plot, this movie is right up your alley. The performances by Noomi Rapace and Glenn Close are fantastic, and the film's twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. While the premise may seem far-fetched, the themes of identity, sacrifice, and survival are universally relatable. The film's exploration of these themes adds depth and meaning to the action-packed plot.

What Happened to Monday is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that will leave you pondering its themes long after the credits roll. It's a wild ride, but one that's well worth taking. The film is also visually stunning, with impressive special effects and a gritty, realistic portrayal of a dystopian future. The world-building is immersive, drawing you into the story and making you feel like you're right there with the Settman sisters.

Give it a watch and let me know what you think! Did you see the twists coming? Who was your favorite sister? Let's chat in the comments below!