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5

jrossreviewsOct 8, 2017

JordanRossReviews: WHAT HAPPENED TO MONDAY - 5.2/10
Rating: NR | Family Friendly: No. 18+ | How to Watch: Netflix
"Had a lot of potential and a few good moments, but fell on its face tripped by its own mistakes." With such a relevant topicJordanRossReviews: WHAT HAPPENED TO MONDAY - 5.2/10
Rating: NR | Family Friendly: No. 18+ | How to Watch: Netflix

"Had a lot of potential and a few good moments, but fell on its face tripped by its own mistakes."

With such a relevant topic as overpopulation the story of What Happened to Monday had my attention from the beginning. Disappointingly it slowly lost it from there. I really began to get distracted by questions which never seemed to get answered. The film starts with Terrence Settman (Willem Dafoe) – the grandfather – deciding to raise all seven septuplets in a futuristic world where it’s illegal to have siblings. The earth has undergone catastrophic events in the likes of global warming and overpopulation. In an effort to fix these issues the Child Allocation Bureau was created and ran to maintain a one child per family law.
I was immediately impressed by the performance of Noomi Rapace as The Settman Sibilings. Each sibling with her own personality and look played by the same actress cannot be easy to pull off. Noomi’s portrayal of each was believable, but there were times where the most noticeable differences between them was their wardrobe. I enjoyed seeing the personalities of each sister, but it was an inevitability that some would stand out more than others. The writers Max Botkin and Kerry Williamson had me wanting to ask if there was a real reason to have seven siblings other than naming them after the days of the week. Decisions like these that ignored obvious issues is what plagued this film the most.
The moments where the film shined the most were the scenes we saw the relationship between the seven girls and their grandfather Terrence. The lengths that he went to in order to ensure their safety and own self-preservation were admirable and touching. Willem Dafoe brought a strong performance when he could, but another mistake was the under-use of his character in the whole of the plot. However I did appreciate how the extremes of the families’ situation were never underplayed and really showed through the eyes of their grandfather’s role as their mentor. Where this film bombed and really couldn’t come back from was the plethora of plot holes. If it wasn’t for this review being a non-spoiler I could list ten plus moments that had me questioning, is this possible? From technology to just characters simply not noticing the obvious, it felt the writers were simply ignoring these issues and assuming the audience would never notice. The film’s runtime was two hours and three minutes and I would have gladly watched another ten or fifteen minutes of explanations to solve most of these issues. Overall I felt this film had a lot of potential and a few good moments, but fell on its face tripped by its own mistakes. Compared to Tommy Wirkola’s (Director) other works this was a step up, but clearly he has room to improve. The futuristic setting was believable, but the cinematography was nothing to call home about. Acting was good enough to keep you immersed, but the script had obvious issues that removed you from the world. In the end What Happened to Monday satisfied my sci-fi itch but left me scratching my head.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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2

CinephobeJan 12, 2018

Watch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film. The premise is unique and interesting and Rapace does a serviceable job in portraying 7 characters. Plot, structure, dialogue,LOGIC, however, were apparently left onWatch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film. The premise is unique and interesting and Rapace does a serviceable job in portraying 7 characters. Plot, structure, dialogue,LOGIC, however, were apparently left on the cutting room floor. The story is nonsensical with enormous plot holes that the director and writers either didn't perceive or did not believe audiences were astute enough to notice. Extremely poor effort by all (except for Rapace who did the best that she was allowed to when working from such poorly written and conceived material).… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

andreadavidedAug 18, 2017

I DO NOT understand how this movie has such a low score. It was GLORIOUS. I didn't like a movie so much in years. The actress plays 7 different people and it works ! Totally amazing Sci-fi in dystopian future where they put kids on Ice toI DO NOT understand how this movie has such a low score. It was GLORIOUS. I didn't like a movie so much in years. The actress plays 7 different people and it works ! Totally amazing Sci-fi in dystopian future where they put kids on Ice to fight overpopulation. GOT WATCH IT.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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2

lilkillpappyAug 19, 2017

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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6

JLuis_001Sep 9, 2017

A flamboyant film by Netflix that showed a very interesting subject, which it definitively holds, unfortunately it gets lost very soon, victim of its own inability to create a more cohesive and fast-paced narrative, because with a hundred andA flamboyant film by Netflix that showed a very interesting subject, which it definitively holds, unfortunately it gets lost very soon, victim of its own inability to create a more cohesive and fast-paced narrative, because with a hundred and twenty three minutes of length this movie has some extra thirty useless minutes where something more dynamic could had been achieved, especially because the film only has two action sequences when it could be done much more, especially if you take into account that the movie makes a terrible narrative mistake in one of them by stopping all the action in order to give space to another sequence that while necessary it completely messed up what was happening at the moment.

The work of Noomi Rapace is excellent playing seven characters, but although while she manages to give them its distinctive features comes a point in which none of the sisters seems different, I do not say that is her fault because the situations of the script compel her to it.
Also is sad to see Willem Dafoe and Glenn Close being so underappreciated and wasted but I think that for their careers it's already a plus to keep working.

I did not like the ending because practically when they explain the reason why everything happened, it feels somewhat artificial considering the selfishness of Monday who planned to sacrifice the lives of her six sisters for the two that would make her a mother.

Although the film never points to it because in the end it criminalizes it, it is very true the argument branch of the enormous over-population that is happening worldwide and nobody is doing anything to stop it.
It is true that the film was not obliged to deal with the subject but should not have abandoned it so easily.

It's not a bad movie, I think it will mostly entertain you, it will not be memorable but at least it was not a failure.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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1

brentwshelton1Aug 19, 2017

Sorry. This movie is a fail. Noomi Rapace is bland and one-note as the lead 7 characters. To watch an actress who has skill and talent in playing multiple versions of herself...and who has the ability to make each character interesting -Sorry. This movie is a fail. Noomi Rapace is bland and one-note as the lead 7 characters. To watch an actress who has skill and talent in playing multiple versions of herself...and who has the ability to make each character interesting - check out Orphan Black and the amazing Tatiana Maslany. I wanted to check out the movie due to its premise of a one child bureaucratic dystopia. Years ago, I read an amazing novel by Barry B. Longyear entitled Sea of Glass that creates a believable and terrifying dystopia around this premise and the life of an "illegal" child. - much better than this movie as I still remember it 20 years after I first read it - I will have forgotten this movie by next week. Check out the book for a better story. Check out Orphan Black for the acting. Forget this dud.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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4

CinemaphileAug 30, 2017

A for execution and Noomi Rapace's acting, F minus for poor internal logic in support of an already weak premise and hackneyed dialogue/exposition. I'd normally say wait for Netflix, but as this is a Netflix Original, then I'd recommendA for execution and Noomi Rapace's acting, F minus for poor internal logic in support of an already weak premise and hackneyed dialogue/exposition. I'd normally say wait for Netflix, but as this is a Netflix Original, then I'd recommend watching the entire Netflix catalogue prior. It's a shame that a film with strong production values was green-lighted with such a weak script. This film aims to disappoint and succeeds.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

alejandro970Oct 22, 2017

Fiction thriller in foreseeable future. The idea maybe could work as well as Cuaron & P.D. James distophy Children of men, but was not enough, despite the dynamic action sequences. The casting of Willem Defoe looks wasted and Gleen Close asFiction thriller in foreseeable future. The idea maybe could work as well as Cuaron & P.D. James distophy Children of men, but was not enough, despite the dynamic action sequences. The casting of Willem Defoe looks wasted and Gleen Close as the villian looks one- dimensional.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

HsaBeastMar 8, 2018

I don't believe how much i liked this movie !
It was one of the best sci-fi movies i saw in the last years.
I was expecting that ending !
I had the chance to see it at the cinema and it was F***ING AWESOME.
If you didn't saw it, GO SEE IT.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

drambuie_Nov 15, 2017

I did not enjoy this film at all.The whole time i was thinking "what on earth am i still watching?". No reason to exist ,so many random pieces, absolutely no reason for so much violence (why everyone had to be killed and just trapped in someI did not enjoy this film at all.The whole time i was thinking "what on earth am i still watching?". No reason to exist ,so many random pieces, absolutely no reason for so much violence (why everyone had to be killed and just trapped in some scenes?) , so unbelievably supernatural abilities for all the sisters i couldnt relate at all. Some points go the plot twist and thats all.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

ZiburinisSep 2, 2017

It was a great sci-fi survival/detective movie with dystopian backgournd. If you'll try to search for flaws in portrayal of dystopia you definitely might find it. Though it is used more as a background for main plot, so you it is OK for me.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

MonoCriticOct 9, 2017

Suffice it to say I created an account just to review this movie. While the sensibilities of individual viewers might definitely make some of you quickly dismiss it. It isn't a feel good movie; there is no Marie Sue, the cast of charactersSuffice it to say I created an account just to review this movie. While the sensibilities of individual viewers might definitely make some of you quickly dismiss it. It isn't a feel good movie; there is no Marie Sue, the cast of characters are flawed and human with a distributed set of strengths which makes the narrative feel more plausible. If you would like something to break up the monotony of other "destined to win" storytelling this is it.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

SopaDePapaOct 15, 2017

All I can say is that you need to watch it for yourself. It is the best sci-fi film since The Fifth Element. This is one of the best movies I've seen in years. Instant cult status.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

Arthur_TSUJan 8, 2018

Não tem muito oque se falar desse filme.

Alguns pontos dele são bons, como as revelações em momentos exatos, mas o resto é razoável ou ruim. Algo que realmente me incomodou nesse filme foi o death flag e algumas ocasiões muito forçadas.Não tem muito oque se falar desse filme.

Alguns pontos dele são bons, como as revelações em momentos exatos, mas o resto é razoável ou ruim. Algo que realmente me incomodou nesse filme foi o death flag e algumas ocasiões muito forçadas.

Ainda sim, eu recomendo, por isso levou meu 6.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

qamasterAug 21, 2017

comment to the previous note: I DO NOT understand how some people can give this movie so high score. Oh yes. Perhaps these are those who were involved in the creation of this film. And I, in turn, can say the following - the film is simplycomment to the previous note: I DO NOT understand how some people can give this movie so high score. Oh yes. Perhaps these are those who were involved in the creation of this film. And I, in turn, can say the following - the film is simply stupid. A ridiculous problem. An absurd fantasy. Nothing to watch.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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0

rw2718Jan 9, 2018

Awful movie that creates an artificial demonization of people facing up to the issues caused by overpopulation and glorifies people who take food out of others' mouths. Thin, unbelievable plot and cardboard villains. The only thing missingAwful movie that creates an artificial demonization of people facing up to the issues caused by overpopulation and glorifies people who take food out of others' mouths. Thin, unbelievable plot and cardboard villains. The only thing missing was Glenn Close twirling her mustache.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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8

GanvaiOct 4, 2017

The strongest point of this movie is Noomi Rapace and her ability to make you care for all the seven sisters that get hunted by a brutal regime.

The world consists of several dystopian sci-fi clishés and doens't add new elements to this kindThe strongest point of this movie is Noomi Rapace and her ability to make you care for all the seven sisters that get hunted by a brutal regime.

The world consists of several dystopian sci-fi clishés and doens't add new elements to this kind of movie, but the cold, realistic style of the movie reminds me more of scandinavian thrillers than hollywood action sci-fi and this is what gives this movie it's own voice and tone. That comes also with the dialog, what maybe the cause why some people dislike this movie that much.

The action scenes are good, brutal but not over stylised.

A thrilling, well handcrafted movie that won't be a new dystopian masterpiece but still is very entertaining.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Voodoo123Jan 15, 2018

Enjoyable if predictable dystopian sci-fi with septuplet identical siblings sharing a single identity as its central theme. Impressive cast deliver above average performances in this action heavy film.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Meth-dudeMar 28, 2018

Despite some very blatant plot holes, the fact that none of the main characters were likeable and the fact that it had one of the worst endings I've seen recently, the movie is not a total disaster. The acting was quite good, the fightDespite some very blatant plot holes, the fact that none of the main characters were likeable and the fact that it had one of the worst endings I've seen recently, the movie is not a total disaster. The acting was quite good, the fight choreographies were well executed, the movie was entertaining and it was surprisingly violent at times. While the movie had a couple of good moments and an overall pretty interesting story, it still failed at being a "good" movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

SquaredRenSep 7, 2017

I liked how this movie had no fear on being violent with lots of blood, and the main character had to make this awesome job to play 7 different persons, those things I admire but...everything else is bad. This movie once it starts you knowI liked how this movie had no fear on being violent with lots of blood, and the main character had to make this awesome job to play 7 different persons, those things I admire but...everything else is bad. This movie once it starts you know where is going, very predictable and that makes the job of this actress to just be forgetable, therefore, it's a turnoff. Overall, nothing much else to say, you will forget it.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

gabbygabAug 22, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, where to start... I really like Noomi Rapace and since her character from Prometheus was killed of in the sequel (the Covenant "masterpiece") has started a renewal of the interest in her movies (seen almost). Of course the grade is more for her not the movie, as it was not awful for what was, a relative cheap almost straight to video thriller. Of course it has plot holes and cliches, but look at the director (2 zombie nazi movies and one about adult Hansel and Gretel fighting who knows what) and 2 almost anonymous writers. It did not promise anything and I feel that it delivered on a few things. Maybe you could have guessed that Monday betrayed the rest of the sisters but could you have known why. And the end is it really a happy one, as without the killing of the siblings the problem of population will resurface with a vengeance. So please judge if you will but I enjoyed this.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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10

SirRandallGamesOct 28, 2017

The movie is amazing. I Get some people don't like the movie but giving it a zero because of people giving it a 10. It's a great sci-fi in a over populated world. I think its a good take on a theme that has been done before. If you like aThe movie is amazing. I Get some people don't like the movie but giving it a zero because of people giving it a 10. It's a great sci-fi in a over populated world. I think its a good take on a theme that has been done before. If you like a decent sci-fi this movie is great.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

EisenHeisenbergAug 27, 2017

I went into this not really knowing what to expect but was really surprised by how entertaining it was. It may not do enough with its excellent premise as it should and one of the three surprises at the end doesn't really work, but it gets aI went into this not really knowing what to expect but was really surprised by how entertaining it was. It may not do enough with its excellent premise as it should and one of the three surprises at the end doesn't really work, but it gets a ton of mileage out of an undeniably great performance by Rapace along with some well staged action sequences and grisly violence.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

AcclamationSep 9, 2017

I wish I could say this is good sci-fi but, what it really was, was the reality of what China has gone through for more than 50 years.
The moral, the drama, and the action is fun as long as you can get past the first 15 minutes.
I thinkI wish I could say this is good sci-fi but, what it really was, was the reality of what China has gone through for more than 50 years.
The moral, the drama, and the action is fun as long as you can get past the first 15 minutes.
I think Liberals won't like this film because the main charaters aren't Leftists, and the bad guys are super Lefties.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

jordynSep 6, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. HUGE SPOILERS. NOTHING BUT SPOILERS. Okay so obviously the whole "overpopulation-dystopia with reduced childbirth" scenario is pretty cliche at this point, but for a second there it seemed like this could maybe go in some interesting directions. It could make a lot of the same points that we usually see (i.e. dont **** up the planet dumbasses) and also have an interesting twist of discussing family and identity, and what it would be like to have your only chance to interact with the outside world be a lie. That is a very interesting premise. However, the main thing that makes this dystopian thriller a bit different (i.e. the kids aren't just hidden in a closet, they each get to go out one day a week and the challenges that they face because of it) is barely addressed. Within the first ten minutes, Monday is gone and we have to go right into killing off sisters. I guess the ending wasn't really that bad, but it was hard to appreciate it since it basically felt random as to which sisters survived and basically the whole "message" (if there was one) really felt flat because nothing was really developed enough. It didn't make much of a larger ecological / political point because in the end, they just abolished the one-child policy and didn't really make any kind of effort to fix anything. Like these siblings are just gunna die of starvation, you guys didn't actually save the world. And it didn't make any kind of interesting points about family or individuality because the sisters didn't have enough time to really become distinct because they were dying so fast. When a few of them died, I didn't even really know which one they were. Anyway. It's not the worst film I've ever seen, but it really didn't do anything original and didn't have much of a point other than being a gore-fest.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

Aghrr1Apr 24, 2020

This is just another boring movie. It has a potential but they ruined it :/ Such a shame .