What Happened To Monday: Not Really A Review

What happened to great science fiction? One can watch this movie on Netflix and not have to ask that question.

***Possible Spoilers***

The basis of this sci-fi/drama/thriller is that in the future the world is over populated and there isn't enough food. So the brilliant government modifies food to feed everyone. Well the modified food makes everybody have like 20 babies at a time. So the big ol' trustworthy government passes a one child law. This is a problem for seven identical siblings who were born in secrecy. They of course, act as one person by hacking the system so to say and taking turns in the real world. The seven sisters are named after each day of the week (makes it easy right?).

I do have a couple realistic issues with this film.

#1 Western birth rates are actually declining. A birth rate of at least 2.1 is required to maintain population. You have to have at least one child per parent. Western birth rates have been steadily dropping. Many developed countries already have a birth rate less than 2. This is attributed to overall economic decline worldwide. Yep, it's not just the United States of America. People are hurting for cash everywhere.

So smart people are thinking, well if I can't afford a house, I can't afford a baby. Which leaves the majority of new births to lower class folks out of ignorance or as an "oops." This leaves me wondering, how much longer is it going to take before people realize the paradigm we created doesn't work in the long run? Which leads me to...

#2 There is currently enough food in production to feed the entire planet's population. There's right under 7.5 billion folks at this moment, and it's estimated we could feed over 10 billion right now. There is no scarcity of food. In fact, food is one of the world's largest waste products at 1.3 billion tonnes a year. The problem isn't that we don't have enough, it's that people can't afford it. What good is making food if you only give it to people that buy it, and there's no one to buy it?!

The class system that humans have had in place for thousands of years has finally surpassed it's threshold.

Authority has always been dictated by the wealthy. The lower classes have been raised to "obey the law." The law, which is just ideas set in motion by those WHO OWN THE MOST. Yes, you've been following made up rules for no reason. Ages ago, this was kings and queens, etc. But back then, people had the ability to overtake resources and choke off naughty tyrants. This doesn't happen anymore. Almost the entirety of Earth's resources have been consolidated into an oligarchy of some kind. To fight for your so called natural rights means taking up arms against...well you get the idea.

So this movie made me completely get all deep, which is what a good sci-fi film does. Good sci-fi makes you think. It's philosophically stimulating. It makes us question our morality. And this movie definitely will do that.

There's not a lot of character development, but it's totally OK because the point of this film is to cause arguments. Willem Dafoe has brief appearances which do help carry the plot of the sisters. Noomi Rapace plays EVERY SISTER; And she does a damn good job of making each one unique. I was very impressed by how she gave each sister their own quirks and personality. Overall I liked the acting.

This isn't a super cheesy film, (though there are plenty on netflix.) It doesn't quite hit the A+ Hollywood production quality but it stands on it's own damn well. If you're a sci-fi fan or enjoy indulging in dystopian futures, then this is a must watch. For most movie watchers, the concepts might be a bit over your head. I'm going to suggest "Watch it once."

Renegade Part 1

Time felt still for a moment as he leaned his head back. The bus was packed full. Karen leaned over and playfully poked his chest. Levi noticed another person giving him a disapproving look. Levi turned to give Karen a look of intrigue and annoyance. With a fiendish smile, her caressing pokes mutated into a single slap. Levi nearly bit his tongue but accepted the pain. He knew it would not be much longer. This was the first time he took a trip like this. He excited and very anxious.

Karen finally got up and dove into another seat. He felt a sense of relief. His eyes darted around unsure of who to talk to. Everyone on this bus knew someone else. How else would this event take place? This was a priority one party. The majority of the people on the bus had no idea about the location. Very few people have even been to this location. He wondered how this was getting pulled off. The bus started to slow down.

City signs and lamp posts started to merely glide in view of the window. He placed his hands over his face and tried to relax. He began to get lost in his thoughts. He was familiar with the procedure of these events. He still had a tendency to replay certain scenarios in his head. Someone had grabbed his shoulder. He spun around to a tall and lanky fellow in an almost too loose fitting t-shirt that just said “DRUM & BASS.”

“Hey, hey! I didn't spook you did I?” said Decker. Decker wasn't his actual name, but after using an alias so long it became synonymous with his personality. “Are you alright dude? We're almost there.” His voice fell into a whisper. “Hey, I saw Karen over there flirting with you man. You guys got a thing or something?”

“No!” Levi replied in a shocked whisper. “What are you talking about Decker?”

“Come on man, look me in the eyes and tell me she isn't hot.”

“I didn't say that!”

“Ha, Then you're agreeing with me!” Levi gave Decker a look of annoyance. “Look man, I just wanted you to know, I've been talking to the other guys. I think I can get you in at ten or eleven. What do you say?”

“Yeah man, thanks. Thank you, a lot.”

Decker pointed fiercely at Levi. “I love you bro! You know we love you!” Decker turned to face a crowd and screamed, “DOES EVERYONE FEEL THE LOVE?!”

“Jeez.” Levi muttered. Decker was a nice guy but a little out there, at least in Levi's mind. Bodies started moving forward as soon as the bus stopped. Levi felt uncomfortable with all the human traffic pushing through the tiny aisle of the bus. Karen dove back into the seat next to him.

“So?” Karen asked.

“So what?” Levi replied puzzled.

“So are you excited? Are you ready?”

“Sure. I guess.”
“You guess?! Come on man, this is going to be so hype! Stay with me, I want to show you around.”

“Wait, you've been here? I thought that only the Tri-Atl know of this spot.”

“I have... magical powers. Plus I have an old girlfriend here. Well, she's not old. But she lives in the area. Come on!” Karen's excitement overwhelmed Levi. She grabbed his hand and tugged hard. Levi grabbed his backpack and followed her off the bus as only a few more people trailed behind. They both hopped down onto the pavement below. All around were tall buildings with stone walls. Levi thought this part of the city looked a bit ritzy to be throwing a renegade party.

The bus driver stuck his head out and looked around. Decker walked up to him and shared a few words before the bus took off to a spot unknown to Levi. On what seemed like a dead street stood nearly 60 people huddled together. Levi's thoughts returned to himself. He wondered what he was even doing here. How could a guy like him even get in to something like this. He knew there were at least 30 more people waiting inside wherever they were going.

“Alright listen up!” Decker shouted in an attempt to address the small crowd. “Everyone needs to stay with the group until we get to where we are going. If anything happens to anyone for any reason, call me or someone else from Tri-Atl. Does everyone have a number? More than one number would be ideal.” Everyone pulled out their phones and started chatting amongst themselves for a few minutes. Levi was set. He knew almost every member of Tri-Atl. He wasn't on a close personal level, but had worked with most of them.

“Alright!” Decker shouted. “Listen up everybody! Follow me, two deep, don't get lost!” They all started walking. Karen giddily smiled at Levi and pulled her shoulders up. The colorful clothing and make-up that adorned the crowd would surely be enough to give them away had anyone been there to see. The crowd shifted like a broken marching band along the sidewalk. Levi looked down and noticed Karen has still holding his hand.

They walked around many stone buildings and down an alley. They exited around a corner and came to a large platform with two stone lions in front. The doors were massive. Decker motioned to another person and they pulled the doors open. Right inside was a boxed in entry way with a gumball machine and coat rack. Levi already knew what it was. As Levi and Karen made their way in they were engulfed by a huge room that was clearly a restaurant.

“This... this is a restaurant.” Levi said as he stood inspecting the place.

“That it is. But she's closed for another week!” Decker said behind him as he let go of the doors. “But this is just where we come in.” He continued with a grin. It had been at least 20 minutes since they got off the bus. Levi wondered how much longer it was.

“Patience Levi. This will be amazing, I promise.” Karen said. A shadowy figure emerged from the opposite end near the bar. He stood nearly six feet tall with wide shoulders and a very fit figure.

“This way.” boomed the voice from the shadow. The crowd started to flow through the door at the end.

“Don't let him scare you.” Decker said to Levi. “Silus is just trying to act cool.” Silus was the oldest of the entire group. He was 46 and had blue and gray streaks in his hair. Silus was the leader of the Tri-Atl group. He was the guy that gave the final vote on everything. He started Tri-Atl with two others ten years ago. They were known in the scene for throwing the best parties which they referred to as gatherings. But what they called priority one was for 'ins' only. To be an 'in' meant you had a history of working with them or had an otherwise worthy reputation.

The building they were in was monstrous. There were doorways and hallways everywhere. It felt like a mansion. Levi started to ease up as he was awe of his surroundings. The were paintings on the wall of landscapes and important looking people. Levi was taken by the beautiful artwork. Karen had to keep tugging his arm to get him to keep up. They finally went through one last door. Inside was a room that seemed as big as a hanger. The floor was expertly crafted wood. The walls were painted to like like marble with wood trim riding around.

“Welcome to the ballroom” Decker said. “Feel free to explore, but try not to get lost.” At the end was a slightly lifted stage and an array of speakers. There were couches and various chairs against the walls. Near the door way was a stocked bar. Levi wondered what kind of time and money went into the event. He also wondered how they ended up with this location. Not even the Tri-Atl guys were on this level.

“Levi! Come with me I want to show you something!” Karen shouted. She grabbed Levi by the hand and drug him out the door. Behind them they could hear the sound being tested. They walked down the primary hallway to a door that had stairs leading down. At the bottom was another large hallway with an array of doors and a giant set of windows looking out into darkness. Karen pulled Levi through an exit into an outdoor courtyard. “Wait a second.” Karen said as she took off.

Karen disappeared and Levi stood in near darkness on a stone path. There was a click and suddenly the courtyard lit up like a fire. Levi instinctively covered his eyes and as they adjusted to the light his jaw dropped. The entire courtyard was full of colorful flora. It had the most exotic trees and flowers he had ever seen. Ivy crawled up the stone walls and around the windows. It was breathtaking. Karen came running out.

“Welcome to wonderland.” She said smiling.

“How do you know about this?” Levi shouted.

“I had a girlfriend that assisted the gardener here. The family that owns this place are loaded.”

“Clearly.” Levi responded.

“I think they own half of this block. Anyway, they take two weeks off every year to go visit relatives in China.” Karen continued.

“The restaurant...” Levi Muttered.

“Yeah. Anyway, so my girlfriend told the Tri-Atl guys and they planned the whole thing.” Karen took a knee down and held some flowers to her face. “Isn't it great?”

“Yeah. Totally.”Levi said. “Isn't it a little weird though. I mean, park forests, abandoned buildings, warehouses... that's one thing. But this is somebody's house.”

“It'll be fine. That's why it's priority one. Only the extra cool people are here. There's nothing to worry about. Plus they're rich, right? So it's not like they can't handle anything.” Karen said with confidence.

“But what about, like, security? Don't you think...?” Levi was suddenly cut off by Karen.

“Dude. They're with us. It's OK.” Karen said. It felt weird hosting a renegade in someone's house. Levi thought about it and suddenly felt a little more at ease. He knew it had to be legitimate. The Tri-Atl guys wouldn't do something like this. They knew the people here, the whole priority one thing was a front. Levi thought about what Decker said.

“He's just trying to be cool.” Levi muttered to himself. He turned to Karen who was now laying on the ground gently flapping her hands against the row of flowers above her. Levi bit his lip and started to walk toward her. He stopped himself and paused for a moment. “Uh..” he whispered. He wasn't sure what to say. He started thinking about what Decker said to him on the bus. Karen was laying there, giggling. She dropped her arms and looked straight into Levi's eyes.

White And Blue

Stuck behind the wheel of the long bed I was wondering what I looked like from the outside. What does my white striped blue truck look like cruising down this highway? I almost lost focus on the road for a minute. I was moving. I was cruising the highway like I hadn't done in quite some time but I was also relocating. This was my last haul. After this, I'm completely finished. There's nothing left for me now but to sit at my new home, relax, and unpack.

I had no one to bid farewell to in my town. I was done there. I could never figure out why no one ever wanted me there. But now I'm getting a fresh start and this time I'm just going to avoid people all together. It'll be just me. I sighed at the bittersweet thought. I was coming through the city of a person I could almost call friend. One road off the highway, I pulled into the parking lot of a small shopping center. There he was already, on his skateboard bouncing off street cones.

"Hey man!" he shouted, "Already packed up huh? Want to chill a little longer before you go?"

"Sure man, I'm not in a rush yet!" I spoke with an honest smile. He had always been the type to drift around. His brother even made a living doing it. Well, his brother actually had a job. I then noticed I wasn't actually in a parking space as I just pulled up to where he was.

“Can I leave my truck here?” I asked.

“Sure man, I work here so it's cool.” he said with confidence. “It's a truck, so no one is gonna ask questions.” So I left it parked. We chatted for awhile about our disdain for the town and the state. We laughed over a few antics of the past. For a guy that I could never rely on, he wasn't a bad fellow. At least he of all people would always eventually come to me at some point and say thanks for looking out. It was getting late. The sun was starting to set. I told him I wanted to get back on the road to enjoy the peace of the night. We slapped a high-five and slid into a half hug.

“I'll miss you dude!” he shouted.

“I won't forget you.” I said affectionately. A moment later I realized how one could be offended by such a remark. Leave to me to give an autistic response as usual. He seemed to appreciate the comment as he jumped onto his skateboard. He took off and his smiling presence drifted into the background.

“Fuck.” I thought out loud. I started feeling cloudy for some reason. I drove the truck around and parked it near a fence wrapped around the side of the shopping center. I walked into the side store to get some caffeine and cigarettes. It felt like everyone was staring at me. I started feeling extremely anxious. Why now? What triggered this? Then I started getting a sense of threat. I scanned the room. Everything appeared safe. Why was my inner radar ticking? I began to walk back outside.

“Oh shit, as a I barely live and breathe!”

“Hey.” I said with a monotone disgust. It was this guy. Ugh, I thought. He was one of those guys that I couldn't stand but for some reason always ended up hanging around. As usual, he was half drunk, half high, and half way between jail and half way house. He wasn't an evil guy exactly. He just had a tendency to draw in trouble. He wasn't always selfish, but was always self centered. He believed that while he didn't know everything, he understood everything. I couldn't help but appreciate his resiliency; Even his ignorance to a degree. I figured I'd give him a minute.

We sat in his car while smoking cigarettes and listening to the radio. My radar started ticking again. I almost wanted to ask him if he had any weed. It felt like I needed a drink or something to calm me down. He steps out of his beat up car for a second to casually talk to a guy I didn't even know. I notice someone in a long dark coat leaning against the wall of the store whispering to someone else while eying me. The man in the coat walks off and suddenly this guy in a blue and white striped shirt flips up an MP-5 complete with handle grip and rail mounted sight.

As soon as I saw the tip of the barrel I instinctively dove to the side as the 9mm rounds started whirring through. As the glass broke, I could hear the whips of metal hitting inside. For a moment it felt like the Earth froze and I could see the trails and paths of all the rounds flying through. The trails swirled as if every single part of the path was the metal itself. The threat of life had triggered my instincts but I saw a unity in destruction. There was a moment of peace in the chaos, a serene appreciation then blackness.

I woke up slightly dizzy. I was still sitting in passenger side of the car. With adrenaline flaring I ducked down momentarily to listen. I then popped my head up and looked around. I wondered what the hell happened. I saw holes in the windshield and dash of the car all grouped on my side. This was meant for me. Then I remembered the eye contact from the man in the striped shirt. I didn't recognize him. But what about the other guy in the jacket? I didn't know him either. I picked up a piece of metal and plugged it into a hole in the glove box. I realized I was alive.

I checked myself thoroughly and found only a single scratch across my face. That must have been what knocked me out. The low morning sun peered through the side window. I hopped out disoriented. I brushed a little glass off my still clean clothes. I looked around. I had to have been out all night. I saw a few cars in the parking lot. Grocery store employees were either waiting outside smoking cigarettes or pushing shopping carts. Did no one hear that? How did this go unnoticed? Why was I left here?

I decided that if everyone else wanted it that way I did too. I walked to get my truck but it was gone, or at least I think it was. In its place was a blue flatbed. The weird thing was is that all my stuff was on top of it strapped down. Now I'm starting to think I'm going crazy. I noticed that only one box was missing. I figured the hell with it. It was nothing of importance. I look down at my keys and think for a second.

I walk up to the truck door and slide my key in. I turn it slowly until it clicks. Strange, I thought to myself. The door unlocks and I hop in. I put the key in the ignition. “What the hell is going on?” I thought out loud as the truck started up. I couldn't explain it but I took off headed to my original destination. The sun was beating down. I felt blinded but cold at the same time. Nothing felt right. I drove for what seemed like a lifetime. It was already night.

It hit me suddenly. I had been driving all day. I never even thought to go to a hospital, or find out what happened the other night. I should have been to my destination by now. I grew more and more frustrated thinking about it. Suddenly the truck started weaving. I looked around and couldn't figure it out. I slowed my speed and rolled the window down. Nothing. Out of nowhere I went into a drift. My adrenaline was rushing, my heart was pumping, but I was focused. I spun the heavy wheel into a counter steer. I had quickly corrected the vehicle but everything on the back flew off.

I stopped in the middle of the empty road. I hopped out and looked around. The bed was empty. I was confused. Nothing made sense. My anxiety took hold and I fell to the ground. I looked up to an empty night sky. There were no clouds, no stars, nothing. With my head leaning against the wheel of the truck I wanted to cry but I couldn't. I felt empty. There was no response, just thoughts. There was just an endless flow of confusing thoughts. Suddenly I realized I was still alive. I felt an overwhelming sense of futility as I stared into nothingness. I felt like a sad child filled with uncertainty and awe unable to cry in fear of being scolded. It started to rain.

Me

I am here... for now at least. Setting up links to all the wacky unnecessary human things I do.

Clutch Lethophobia

Of all things that I visualize my future self hanging on to, they typically involve music, written works, and websites. Although most websites of my favor have already been discontinued with what's left being accessible only from archives. With a few exceptions, movies and television tend to have a dissipating effect for me. But media aside, there is one thing that I will surely miss in time. It's not the loss of video rentals or record shops. I embrace the practical evolution behind most things. The one thing that I am already starting to miss is the clutch.

It is quite true that the clutch is being phased out. With so many advancements being made in efficiency and more gear ratios, automatics are more practical. Even large trucks are phasing out manual drive transmissions. I'm not a mechanic, nor am I well versed in the mechanics of automotives. I have but a simple knowledge of parts and build. I do however have a love of driving. Now that which I adore is soon to be no more.

My father started teaching me how to drive a car when I was about 12 years old. The first vehicle I owned was a manual truck; A 1985 Mazda B2200. Through all the vehicles I have owned my absolute favorite was ironically an automatic 1995 Dodge Ram. I still love passing through dealerships just to entertain myself with automotive aesthetics. I envision a time when I'm an old man, and the only one driving an archaic mustang with a shifter. It is an entertaining thought however. I can see being a delight to younger generations in awe of mastery over such unnecessary functions. Even in present time many are often amazed that I, much less anyone have knowledge driving a manual vehicle. 

I believe that one of the most interesting factors is the unawareness. Some things disappear suddenly and with great intensity while others simply fade. In youth, driving was a transcending experience. It was moving from childhood into manhood. There was a distinct cultural value to it. The evolution of transportation is forever changing, but I think personal vehicles as a whole have a way to go. While I may miss the clutch, I won't miss the road. Driving was and still is one of my greatest stress relievers. The one exception of course would be in heavy traffic.

Nostalgic Appetency

Amid the ever intensely changing human experience, one easily finds longing. I find delight in the sincerity of "When we used to" and "I remember when" statements in conversation. Of the most frequent colloquial charms, one seems to be the most universal. A phrase that any living person can recognize is, "I miss that show!" It's a true statement of our present time that we can reference lifespan and era with television programming. It is with such, that I can say that entertainment media is an essential aspect to our culture. But of course, everything changes with time. It would be interesting to see how we entertain ourselves 1000 years from now, survival permitting.

I ponder on the delight in reminiscing on passing trends and fads. Why are humans so eager to abide by new standards, but long for dated ones? There is a conflict in thought between the desire to simultaneously stay relevant and old-fashioned. There are however other moving aspects that we simply just wish were still around. I find myself clinging on to items nearing demise. It is with similarity, that I experience a bittersweet emotion. Some things lose practicality, many just no longer fit to the rigid demands of the human paradigm. A question to ask is, is it worth it to lose it and forget? Are there some things worth preserving? What is the difference between a T.V. show and a crumpled photo of a friend from middle school?

It is something to think about.