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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of What Happened to Monday (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In the year 2073, the world grapples with a severe overpopulation crisis, leading to the implementation of a draconian one-child policy by the Child Allocation Bureau (C.A.B.). In a poignant twist of fate, when Karen Settman gives birth to identical sisters, only the eldest is allowed to remain. Her father, Terrence, names each of the sisters after the days of the week and meticulously trains them to live as a single entity, preserving the secret of their existence. The sisters meet daily to share their experiences and information, adhering to a strict rule: only one can venture out into the world at any time.

To disguise their identity, they employ a clever system of wigs and makeup to mask any identifying traits. Terrence, who understands the grave risks they face, often reinforces the importance of their bond and the repercussions of disobedience. However, the tension mounts when Thursday breaks this crucial rule and, in a devastating incident, injures her finger, leading to Terrence having to remove the same part from all the sisters, starting with Monday.

As the years pass, the sisters manage to maintain their deception without raising suspicions. One day, as Sunday returns from her job at the bank, she witnesses C.A.B. agents detaining a child amidst public outcry. The siblings, watching the distressing event unfold on their screens, engage in a heated discussion about their future. Thursday contemplates the possibility of surrendering themselves, dreaming of a time in the future when she could live openly, and pursue her own path. However, Monday, ever the responsible elder sister, insists on the necessity of their unity, reinforcing their pact to continue living under the veil.

The following day, Monday endeavors to present herself as Karen but finds herself caught in the web of office politics, with the ambitious Jerry hinting at blackmail after she secures a promotion. Her absence at their daily meeting sends alarming ripples through the sisterhood, triggering Tuesday to investigate her disappearance, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation. Monday’s dealings with C.A.B. prove to be a perilous game of survival, and soon, what started as a deceit spirals into a betrayal of epic proportions.

As C.A.B. agents zero in on the sisters, they navigate a web of deception where loyalties are tested and lives are lost. Through a series of action-packed confrontations, starting with a harrowing showdown where Sunday meets a tragic end, the weakened sisterhood must find strength to persevere. The sisters fight back, driven by the need to uncover the truth as they grapple with their intertwined fates.

Amidst the chaos, alliances shift and betrayals unfold. In a desperate attempt to save one another, the sisters face the brutal world enforced by the C.A.B. that threatens to tear them apart permanently. With tension rising, Adrian, a C.A.B. agent with a complicated connection to the sisters, is entangled in their fight for survival.

This gripping narrative reaches its zenith when Thursday, with the help of Adrian, schemes to infiltrate C.A.B. headquarters, uncovering the dark realities of their society. As the sisters pursue their path to redemption against overwhelming odds, a treacherous game of power and identity ensues, leading to heartbreaking confrontations that reveal the true cost of survival.

At the climax of their struggle, the sisters are forced to confront each other in a dramatic showdown, leading to devastating consequences that challenge their bonds and redefine their identities. With an irreversible choice made, the fallout reshapes their lives forever. As the dust settles, the remnants of their struggles herald a new beginning—a chance for renewal in a society where the unthinkable had once reigned supreme.

In the end, their journey leads to the repeal of the Child Allocation Act and the dawn of a new hope for their future as they embrace the next chapter of their lives, forging their identities anew.

Timeline

Track the key events of What Happened to Monday (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction of the One-Child Policy

In 2073, the world faces an overpopulation crisis, prompting the Child Allocation Bureau (C.A.B.) to enforce a strict one-child policy. This draconian measure aims to control the burgeoning population, drastically altering the lives of countless families.

2073

Birth of the Identical Sisters

Karen Settman gives birth to identical sisters, marking a significant event for her family. Due to the one-child policy, only the eldest sister is permitted to survive, prompting their father, Terrence, to devise a plan to ensure their collective existence.

Training the Sisters

Terrence names each sister after the days of the week and meticulously trains them to function as a single entity. They adhere to strict rules, sharing information daily and only allowing one sister to venture into the outside world at any given time.

The Wig and Makeup System

To conceal their identities, the sisters employ a clever disguise system involving wigs and makeup. This strategy becomes essential as they navigate their daily lives without raising suspicion and fear of C.A.B. detection.

Thursday's Rule Break

The situation escalates when Thursday breaks the critical rule of the sisters by going out on her own. She injures her finger, leading to a harrowing consequence where Terrence has no choice but to remove the same part from all the sisters as punishment.

Public Outcry and Reflection

After Sunday witnesses C.A.B. agents detaining a child in a disturbing public scene, the sisters have a heated discussion about their uncertain future. Tensions rise as they contemplate surrendering themselves to live more freely, igniting debates about loyalty and survival.

Monday's Rise in Office Politics

Monday attempts to present herself as their mother, Karen, at her job but quickly finds herself entangled in office politics. Her promoter, Jerry, hints at blackmail, creating a dangerous situation that heightens the stakes for the sisters.

Office

Tuesday's Investigation

Alarmed by Monday's absence from their daily meeting, Tuesday grows suspicious and starts investigating. Her determination uncovers shocking truths about Monday’s precarious dealings with C.A.B., leading to an unexpected betrayal.

C.A.B. Agents Close In

With C.A.B. agents closing in on the sisters, the atmosphere becomes rife with tension. Their loyalty is tested as they face life-altering decisions, pushing them toward confrontations that will determine their fates.

Tragic Showdown with Sunday

The sisters face devastating losses as they engage in action-packed confrontations, including the tragic end of Sunday. This event serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved in their desperate struggle for survival.

Shifting Alliances

Amidst the chaos and heartbreak, the sisters find themselves in a complex web of shifting alliances and emerging betrayals. Their unity is tested as they fight against both C.A.B. and their darker impulses.

Thursday's Infiltration Plan

In an act of courage, Thursday partners with Adrian, a C.A.B. agent, to infiltrate C.A.B. headquarters. Their mission unveils the systemic horrors of their society, revealing the grim realities that govern their lives.

C.A.B. Headquarters

Climactic Showdown

The climax of their struggle culminates in a dramatic confrontation among the sisters themselves. As they grapple with shifting identities and heartbreaking decisions, the fallout threatens to irreparably alter their bonds.

New Beginning after the Storm

With the conflicts resolved, the sisters emerge from the chaos with a renewed sense of purpose. The journey they've endured leads to the repeal of the Child Allocation Act, symbolizing a significant victory for their future.

Forging New Identities

As they embrace a new chapter in their lives, the sisters begin to forge their identities anew. The unthinkable restrictions they once faced have been lifted, offering them a chance to begin rebuilding their lives in a changed society.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring What Happened to Monday (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Monday (portrayed by Noomi Rapace)

Monday is the responsible eldest sister, who takes on the burden of leadership in a chaotic world. She embodies the principle of unity and is dedicated to protecting her siblings, often prioritizing their collective well-being over her desires. Her journey showcases the weight of familial responsibility amidst dire circumstances.

👑 Leadership 🔒 Responsibility

Thursday (portrayed by Noomi Rapace)

Thursday represents the spirit of rebellion within the sisterhood. Driven by a yearning for freedom, she often challenges the established rules and ultimately becomes a catalyst for change. Her character arc shows the conflict between loyalty to family and the desire for personal agency.

⚡ Rebellion 💔 Conflict

Adrian (portrayed by Willem Dafoe)

Adrian is a complex C.A.B. agent who finds himself entangled in the sisters' fight for survival. His ambiguous loyalties contribute to key turning points in the narrative, showcasing the moral complexities inherent in a harshly regulated society. He embodies the tension between authority and empathy.

🔍 Ambiguity 🤔 Morality

Setting

Uncover the settings of What Happened to Monday (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

2073

In 2073, the planet faces a drastic overpopulation crisis that drives governments to adopt severe measures. The implementation of the one-child policy results in widespread societal changes, where families are torn apart and secrecy prevails to avoid detection by the C.A.B. This time period reflects a struggle for identity and survival amid authoritarian rule.

Location

C.A.B. Headquarters, the world of 2073

The movie takes place in a dystopian future where overpopulation has led to the establishment of the oppressive Child Allocation Bureau (C.A.B.). This world is characterized by strict regulations and a societal fear of the state's control over family dynamics, as evidenced by the brutal enforcement of the one-child policy.

🏢 Dystopia 🌍 Future

Themes

Explore the core themes of What Happened to Monday (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔒

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the film as the identical sisters are forced to live as one to survive. Each sister represents a different aspect of identity and desire, yet their shared existence complicates their individualisms. The struggle for personal identity against societal constraints is a poignant narrative throughout.

⚔️

Survival

Survival drives the sisters' actions as they navigate a world that threatens their very existence. When faced with the brutal enforcement of the C.A.B., they are forced to band together and fight back. Their quest for survival highlights the emotional and physical challenges they face while trying to protect one another and seek justice.

🤝

Sisterhood

The bond of sisterhood is a fundamental theme that explores loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience. As the sisters face adversities, their unity is both their strength and their vulnerability. Their journey emphasizes the importance of family ties when confronting oppressive systems.

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