If you’re a fan of “Orphan Black” this one won’t disappoint. “What Happened to Monday” is not just a title, but a mystery about itself. Directed by Tommy Wirkola (“Dead Snow,” “Hansel
& Gretel: Witch Hunters”), the Netflix original is a mix of Fugitives-on-the-run thriller, part post-apocalyptic family drama. The story-line really doesn’t seem so far off, where families are limited to one child due to overpopulation, China has already implemented this.
Of course the main draw here is Noomi Rapace pulling off an impressive seven different personalities (channeling Tatiana Maslany’s one-woman ensemble on “Orphan Black”) who is raised by Terence Settman (Willem Dafoe). After the passing of their father the kids must keep the family name alive while dealing with the 1 child law enforced by politician Nicolette Cayman (Glenn Close). The sisters named after each day of the week (hence the title) are only allowed to go outside on “her” day. It’s a messed up situation they can’t all go out all at once, but you can only take so much isolation.
Rapace has a weird yet energetic and emotional agility to juggle this, 7 very distinct people and none of them have the same feel. But once the secret is out the film turns into “Children of Men” meets “Blade Runner” with quite a bit more action and tension I might add. Cayman (Close) while at first she seems to be of good nature actually has a solid plan to fix the population issue, is also hiding a monumental secrete of her own, but then again she’s a politician go figure.
Streaming on VidAngel
RATING TV-MA Graphic violence, language, sexuality/nudity
IMDB 6.8/10
TOMATOMETER 64/67
I GIVE IT B+
