What Happened to Monday Ending Explained
TL;DR:
What Happened to Monday (2017) is a dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a future where overpopulation leads to a strict one-child policy enforced by the Child Allocation Bureau (CAB). The movie follows seven identical sisters (all played by Noomi Rapace), named after the days of the week, who share a single identity to evade the law. The ending reveals that Monday, one of the sisters, betrayed the others by handing over their youngest sister, Monday, to the CAB, believing the government's propaganda. After a bloody confrontation, only Tuesday survives, exposing the CAB's atrocities on live TV. The film concludes with Tuesday adopting her sisters' personalities and continuing their fight against the system, while the CAB's leader, Nicolette Cayman, is arrested.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of What Happened to Monday is a brutal and emotional sequence where the surviving sisters - Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday-confront each other in a final showdown. Monday, who had been secretly working with the CAB, reveals her betrayal, believing that the government's actions (freezing excess children) were justified to prevent societal collapse. A violent confrontation ensues, resulting in Monday killing Wednesday before Tuesday fatally shoots Monday. Tuesday, now the sole survivor, escapes with incriminating evidence against the CAB and broadcasts it to the world, exposing Cayman's lies about the "frozen" children actually being killed.
The final scenes show Tuesday adopting the mannerisms and roles of her deceased sisters, symbolizing her carrying on their legacy. Meanwhile, Cayman is arrested, and the government's oppressive policies begin to unravel. The film ends on an ambiguous note, with Tuesday looking at a group of rescued embryos, hinting at a potential future where the sisters' sacrifice leads to systemic change.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
What happens to the rescued embryos?
- Possible Answer: They may be used to restart genetic diversity or repopulate under new, fairer laws.
- Alternative: They could become a new generation of "multiples," continuing the sisters' rebellion.
Does society actually change after Cayman's arrest?
- Possible Answer: Yes-the exposure of CAB's crimes likely leads to policy reform.
- Alternative: No-another authoritarian figure could replace Cayman, continuing the cycle.
How does Tuesday psychologically handle embodying all her sisters?
- Possible Answer: She compartmentalizes their traits, using them to stay strong.
- Alternative: She may eventually break under the pressure of living seven lives.
Was Monday truly a villain or just brainwashed?
- Possible Answer: She genuinely believed in the CAB's cause, making her a tragic antagonist.
- Alternative: She was manipulated and desperate, not inherently evil.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
What Happened to Monday delivers a gripping, if somewhat predictable, dystopian thriller with a strong performance by Noomi Rapace. The ending is satisfying in its justice - Cayman's arrest and Tuesday's survival feel earned-but it also leaves enough ambiguity to provoke thought. Thematically, the film explores sacrifice, loyalty, and systemic oppression effectively, though some plot points (like Monday's sudden betrayal) could have used more buildup. The final image of Tuesday "becoming" her sisters is poignant, suggesting that identity is fluid and resilience comes from unity. While not groundbreaking, it's a solid sci-fi entry with emotional weight and social commentary.
Would I recommend it? Yes, for fans of dystopian action with a thought-provoking edge, though it may not satisfy those seeking a perfectly tidy resolution. The unanswered questions add depth, making it ripe for discussion.
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