‘What Happened to Monday’, a 2017 dystopian sci-fi thriller directed by Tommy Wirkola, delivers an impactful narrative that explores themes of overpopulation, governmental control, and identity. The film tells the story of seven identical sisters living in a future where families are restricted to one child due to overpopulation. They must avoid government detection while searching for their missing sister, Monday. This article aims to critically analyze the movie, dissecting the dystopian setting and symbolism employed to critique society.

Dissecting the Dystopia: An Examination of ‘What Happened to Monday’

The dystopian setting of ‘What Happened to Monday’ is central to the narrative, serving as a grim prediction of a future plagued by overpopulation. The film places its characters in a world under the weight of the Child Allocation Bureau (CAB), a governmental agency that enforces a strict one-child policy to combat overpopulation. The dystopia mirrors contemporary concerns about limited resources and population control, grounding the film in a chilling realism. The CAB, led by Glenn Close’s character Nicolette Cayman, personifies a ruthless government imposing its will on the populace, a common element in many dystopian narratives.

The dystopia is not only a physical setting but also a psychological landscape. The seven sisters —named for each day of the week— live in constant fear of discovery, their identity a secret they must guard at all costs. This collective identity is a metaphor for the loss of individuality in a conformist society. The individual sisters, despite being identical, have unique personalities that they are forced to suppress in their bid to survive as ‘Karen Settman’, the persona they all adopt. This theme of the individual vs society is a poignant critique of how dystopian societies often force conformity at the expense of individuality.

Societal Critique and Symbolism in ‘What Happened to Monday’

‘What Happened to Monday’ is laden with symbolism and societal critique. The number seven, for instance, is symbolic in numerous ways. Beyond representing the seven days of the week, it also corresponds with the seven sisters who are the focal point of the film. The number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in various cultures. Yet, in the societal context of the movie, the seven sisters represent an anomaly, a direct violation of the one-child policy.

The film uses ‘Monday’, the first day of the week and the first sister to disappear, as a symbol of the loss of freedom and individuality. Monday’s disappearance triggers a cascading series of events that force the sisters out of their secluded life into the oppressive world of the CAB. The character of Monday also serves as a critique of society, illustrating the lengths to which individuals will go to conform, even betraying their own kin. This stands as a stark warning against societal pressures that demand conformity at the expense of personal identity and freedom.

In conclusion, ‘What Happened to Monday’ is a cinematic exploration of a dystopian future that grapples with concerns around overpopulation, autocratic governance, and erasure of individuality. By dissecting the dystopian landscape and its associated symbolism, we gain a deeper understanding of the societal critique embedded in the narrative. The film serves as a compelling cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government control and the sacrifices of individuality made in the name of societal conformity. As such, it remains relevant as we navigate our way through an often uncertain and rapidly changing world.