What Happened to Monday (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
What Happened to Monday (2017) is a dystopian sci-fi thriller where seven identical sisters (all played by Noomi Rapace) secretly share one identity in a world enforcing a strict one-child policy due to overpopulation. The ending reveals that the surviving sister, Monday, betrayed her siblings by revealing their existence to the authoritarian Child Allocation Bureau (CAB) to secure power. The final sister, Karen/Thursday, kills Monday and assumes her identity to protect her niece (Monday's secret child). The film ends ambiguously as Karen/Thursday exposes the CAB's corruption, hinting at societal change but leaving the fate of the one-child policy unresolved.
Detailed Ending Explanation
The climax of What Happened to Monday unfolds as Karen (Thursday) discovers that Monday, the sister responsible for coordinating their shared life, has been missing for days. As she investigates, she uncovers Monday's betrayal: Monday had secretly given birth to a daughter and, to protect her child, struck a deal with the CAB. In exchange for her sisters being captured and killed, Monday was granted safety and power within the system. The revelation is devastating, as Monday's actions led to the deaths of five of her sisters (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
The final confrontation occurs when Karen/Thursday tracks Monday to a CAB facility. A brutal fight ensues, culminating in Karen killing Monday. In a twist, Karen assumes Monday's identity, cutting her hair and adopting her mannerisms to infiltrate the CAB. She then exposes the corruption of the system by broadcasting footage of the CAB's leader, Nicolette Cayman, admitting to the atrocities committed under the one-child policy. The film ends with Karen (now posing as Monday) holding her niece, implying she will raise the child while continuing to fight the oppressive regime from within.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Does the exposure of CAB's crimes lead to real change?
- Possible Answer: The film suggests the truth coming to light could spark rebellion, but it's left ambiguous whether society will abandon the one-child policy.
- What happens to the other siblings' hidden children?
- Possible Answer: Since Monday was the only one confirmed to have a child, it's unclear if others also secretly reproduced.
- Will Karen successfully dismantle the CAB from within?
- Possible Answer: Her infiltration hints at a potential revolution, but her long-term success isn't guaranteed.
- How widespread is resistance to the one-child policy?
- Possible Answer: The film shows minimal organized rebellion, but Karen's actions might inspire others.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of What Happened to Monday is both satisfying and frustrating. On one hand, Karen's victory-avenging her sisters and exposing the CAB-feels earned, especially given the emotional weight of her journey. Noomi Rapace's performance as all seven sisters is phenomenal, making their losses impactful. However, the film's abrupt conclusion leaves major societal questions unanswered. While the personal resolution (Karen protecting her niece) works, the broader implications of the CAB's downfall are glossed over. The dystopian setting is compelling, but the script could have explored the systemic consequences more deeply.
Overall, the film excels in tension and concept but falters in fully realizing its world-building. The moral dilemma of sacrificing individuality for survival is thought-provoking, yet the rushed ending diminishes its potential impact. Still, as a thriller, it delivers gripping action and emotional stakes, making it a memorable, if flawed, entry in the dystopian genre.
Final Thoughts
What Happened to Monday leaves viewers with a mix of closure and lingering questions. Karen's transformation into Monday symbolizes both survival and deception, mirroring the film's themes of identity and sacrifice. While the ending doesn't tie up every loose end, it succeeds in delivering a poignant, character-driven conclusion. The film's strengths lie in its performances and high-stakes premise, even if its world-building could have been more thorough. For fans of dystopian thrillers, it's a solid, if imperfect, watch.