Tommy Wirkola’s creature feature, “Dead Snow”, has been hailed as a unique blend of horror and comedy, but his latest film, “What Happened to Monday”, fails to hit the mark. Despite having all the elements for a thrilling and entertaining movie, it falls short due to its identity crisis.
The film follows the story of septuplets in a dystopian society where families are only allowed one child. The siblings, named after the days of the week, manage to survive by taking turns going out into the world, pretending to be one person. However, when Monday disappears, the others must risk everything to find her.
On paper, the premise sounds intriguing and has all the makings of a successful sci-fi thriller. However, the execution falls flat and leaves the audience feeling confused and unfulfilled. This is due to the film’s attempt to be both a thought-provoking drama and an action-packed adventure, resulting in an unbalanced and disjointed viewing experience.
The film’s biggest flaw lies in its pacing. At times, it moves too quickly, not allowing the audience to fully absorb the gravity of the situation. Other times, it drags on, leaving viewers feeling disconnected and disengaged. This inconsistency leaves the film struggling to find its footing and ultimately leads to an unsatisfying conclusion.
One of the major selling points of the film is its star-studded cast, with Noomi Rapace in the lead role as the seven sisters. Rapace delivers a strong performance, portraying each sister with distinct personalities and mannerisms. However, the lack of character development and the limited screen time for the other sisters leave the audience feeling detached from their fates.
The film also fails to fully explore the intriguing concept of living a life in secrecy, constantly pretending to be someone else. This could have been a thought-provoking commentary on identity and individuality, but it is overshadowed by the film’s action sequences and plot twists.
“What Happened to Monday” is also filled with unnecessary and over-the-top violence, which takes away from the story’s emotional impact. It seems as though the film is trying to emulate Wirkola’s previous works, such as “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters”, but in this case, it doesn’t fit with the tone of the film and feels forced.
Despite its flaws, the film has impressive visuals and production design that create a believable dystopian world. The use of futuristic technology and the contrast between the characters’ living conditions add to the film’s overall aesthetic.
In the end, “What Happened to Monday” suffers from an identity crisis. It tries to be a serious drama while also incorporating elements of action and comedy, resulting in a muddled and confusing film. It is a shame because with a clearer vision and tighter pacing, the film could have been a thought-provoking and thrilling sci-fi adventure.
In conclusion, Tommy Wirkola’s “What Happened to Monday” may have all the ingredients for a successful film, but it struggles to find its identity. Despite the talented cast and impressive visuals, the film is hindered by its inconsistent pacing and lack of focus. It is a missed opportunity to explore thought-provoking themes and deliver a cohesive and engaging story. Hopefully, Wirkola’s future projects will have a clearer vision and a stronger sense of direction.
