A Dystopian Dance with Noomi Rapace
Imagine walking into a world so chock-full of people that the government decides everyone's only allowed one kid. That's the setting in Tommy Wirkola's 2017 sci-fi thriller, What Happened to Monday. This movie review explores a world where the ultra-talented Noomi Rapace isn't confined to just one character, but seven—each of them navigating the murky waters of draconian laws, familial bonds, and a search for one very missing sister. Intrigued? You should be.
In a World of One Child, Seven is a Crowd
The plot revolves around a futuristic society that restricts childbirth—just one kid per family, please. What if you were an outlaw septuplet in this world? That’s the crisis the Settman sisters face. Raised in secret by their grandfather, played by the ever-enigmatic Willem Dafoe, these identical siblings each venture into the world under the singular identity of Karen Settman, one for each day of the week. That is, until Monday vanishes into thin air like your hopes on a Monday morning. The movie cleverly traces the remaining sisters' harrowing journey as they fend off governmental hounds while trying to crack the mystery of Monday’s disappearance. It’s a world built around the premise of survival—both out in society and within the microcosm of familial relations—giving it layers akin to a well-seasoned lasagna.
Noomi's Tour De Force
Noomi Rapace shimmers like a multifaceted diamond, delivering performances that eclipse the sun itself. It’s a one-woman army showing shades of vulnerability, ringleader resolve, and occasional bursts of sheer anger. By the end, it’s almost bewildering how each of the sisters feels like a distinct character. All credits to Wirkola’s direction that masterfully stitches together a rich tapestry of sisterhood, hazard, and social commentary. Glenn Close adds to the mix as the cold, calculated government official enforcing these ironclad family constraints. Her presence is like that of a hawk circling its prey—magnificent yet unsettling.
Visuals and Vibes
If Netflix's Black Mirror mated with The Hunger Games, What Happened to Monday would be their rebellious offspring. The film has some arresting visuals, echoing echoes—yes, those echoing echoes—of the all-imposing steel and dystopian dread that defined the likes of those mentioned. The cinematography darts between fluid and frenetic—much like its plot points—yet it aligns perfectly with the film's frantic heartbeat. The screenplay by Max Botkin and Kerry Williamson weaves a complex tapestry, though it occasionally gets a bit rushed amid its ambitious plot twists, almost like a storyteller trying to finish before his tea goes cold.
Hyperloop Through Similar Realms
If Wirkola’s aim was a murky glimpse into a potential future, he hits closer to home than we might like to admit. In comparison to the genre, it avoids the nauseating pitfalls of complete dystopian despair. Think of it as a crossover between The Matrix and Children of Men, yet imbued with a warmth akin to a cozy on a winter bench. Wirkola, known for his slightly oddball humor in films like Dead Snow, flexes his storytelling muscles across genres here and leaps over the bar like an Olympian on a good day.
Don't Wait For Tuesday, Watch It Now
If you’re on the lookout for a new sci-fi hit that offers more than the generic dystopian forecast, What Happened to Monday is your ticket. Get ready for neck-snapping thrills, inspiring characters, and an emotional depth that will leave you marinating in the essence of sibling bonds. Its cleverly diced narrative and robust performances make it a wild ride. So buckle up, grab your popcorn, and let Noomi Rapace guide you through a future you may hope never arrives. Don't skip this one if the best mystery thrillers are your jam!