What Happened to Monday emerges as a highly thought-provoking sci-fi action thriller. It stars Noomi Rapace, who plays seven sisters in jeopardy sometime during the not-too-distant future. Think “a prequel to the sequel of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth” --  where an over-populated world appears headed for destruction. Glenn Close portrays a very powerful woman in charge of helping to solve the population crisis.

Her method? Families are limited to one child.  Any siblings born get put to sleep until the problem no longer exists -- allegedly. Willem Dafoe has the role of a father trying to save six of his seven daughters from the sleep “procedure.” His character’s tough love approach is sometimes scary to watch, especially in one bloody scene. (I closed my eyes for that one.)    

Although Close and Dafoe deliver excellent performances -- as expected -- they appear on camera for only a short time. It’s Rapace who takes charge of the screen here. Like Tatiana Maslany in TV’s “Orphan Black,” this talented actress rises to the occasion with a splendid interpretation of multiple characters.   

Seven sisters must act like one

each day, for sure, or all are done.

When one goes out, the others hide

as best they can to live inside.

They’re named for each day of the week --

and survival is what they seek.

One-child policy? That’s the law.

But not obeyed by their dear Pa.

Monday went missing on her day.

Will all the siblings have to pay?

This sci-fi film is so intense

and even makes a lot of sense.

Births may outgrow food, land and air

with little chance for being fair.

Rapace brings siblings to life.

She shows their stress and mega-strife.

Each of the girls boasts different skills,

and attitudes and looks and wills.

Rapace makes them all look real,

and so this movie she does steal.

What Happened to Monday ends up being a very creative and suspenseful cautionary tale. Yes, it’s noisy, violent and includes a graphic sex scene. In fact, my inner Church Lady is rebelling because I enjoyed it so much. But fans of sci-fi, action, mystery and excellent filmmaking should pay attention to this unusual offering.   

Futurists don’t consider overpopulation one of the issues of the future. They consider it THE issue of the future. --- Dan Brown

(Released by Neflix. Not rated by MPAA.)

For more information about What Happened to Monday, please go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes website.