The trailer for “What Happened to Monday” (aka “Seven Sisters”), while available online through various fan uploads and unofficial sources, is conspicuously absent from official studio channels. This absence points to a complex interplay of factors, including the film’s initially limited release strategy, subsequent distribution rights changes, and a shifting landscape of digital marketing for independent and foreign films.
The Missing Trailer: Unpacking the Mystery
The hunt for a readily accessible, high-quality trailer for “What Happened to Monday” on official platforms like Netflix’s YouTube channel or the film’s (now likely defunct) promotional website leads to a digital dead end. This is unusual, given the film’s star power (Noomi Rapace, Willem Dafoe, Glenn Close) and relatively widespread, albeit staggered, distribution. To understand why, we need to delve into the film’s production and release history.
“What Happened to Monday,” a dystopian science fiction thriller, had a complex journey to audiences. Originally titled “Seven Sisters,” it was conceived as an American film but eventually became a European co-production. Its initial release was handled differently across various territories. In some regions, it received theatrical releases handled by traditional distribution companies. In others, it premiered directly on streaming platforms, most notably Netflix in the United States.
This fragmented distribution model significantly impacted the film’s marketing strategy. Instead of a unified, globally coordinated campaign, promotional efforts were decentralized and, in some cases, less robust. The lack of a persistent, officially sanctioned trailer likely stems from this initial piecemeal approach. When Netflix acquired the rights for specific territories, they may not have prioritized maintaining or widely distributing the original trailer. Their focus shifted to promoting the film directly on their platform, rendering a conventional trailer less crucial.
Further complicating matters is the passage of time. The film was released in 2017. Marketing materials, especially trailers, have a shelf life. Studios and distributors often prioritize promoting newer releases, allowing older content to fade into the background. Digital archives are not always meticulously maintained, especially for films with complex distribution histories like “What Happened to Monday.”
Therefore, while the film itself remains available on various platforms (depending on your region), finding the “official” trailer is akin to searching for a ghost in the digital machine. It exists in fragments, scattered across the internet, but lacks the centralized, high-quality presence one would expect from a film of its caliber.
The Impact of Distribution Rights on Marketing Materials
Understanding how distribution rights affect the availability of trailers is crucial. When multiple companies hold rights to a film in different territories, the responsibility for marketing and promotion becomes fragmented. Imagine several cooks trying to manage a single kitchen; the result can be chaotic and inefficient.
In the case of “What Happened to Monday,” various distributors likely created their own marketing materials, including trailers, tailored to their specific regions and target audiences. Some of these trailers may have been region-locked, preventing access from other countries. Over time, as distribution agreements expired or changed hands, these trailers may have been removed from official channels or simply lost in the shuffle.
The digital landscape exacerbates this issue. With the rise of streaming platforms, the lines between theatrical releases and direct-to-video releases have blurred. Netflix, for example, often relies heavily on in-platform promotion, prioritizing personalized recommendations and algorithm-driven marketing over traditional trailers.
Ultimately, the absence of a readily available official trailer highlights the challenges of navigating the complex world of film distribution rights and the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.
What happened to Monday (Seven Sisters) Trailer – FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the availability, or lack thereof, of the “What Happened to Monday” trailer:
Question 1: Why can’t I find an official trailer for “What Happened to Monday” on YouTube?
The main reason is the fragmented distribution rights and the film’s age. While various versions of the trailer exist, they are not hosted on a single, official studio or distributor channel. The original promotional campaigns were likely localized and time-sensitive, making them less relevant after the film’s initial release.
Question 2: Did Netflix ever release a trailer for “What Happened to Monday”?
Netflix may have released a short promotional clip or featurette when the film was added to their platform. However, a full-fledged traditional trailer like those released for theatrical releases is less common for streaming-exclusive content. They typically rely on internal platform promotion.
Question 3: Where can I find a trailer for “What Happened to Monday”?
You can find fan-uploaded trailers and clips on YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. Be aware that the quality may vary, and they might not be officially sanctioned. Try searching for “What Happened to Monday trailer,” “Seven Sisters trailer,” or “Noomi Rapace trailer.”
Question 4: Why is the film sometimes called “Seven Sisters” instead of “What Happened to Monday”?
“Seven Sisters” was the original title of the film. The title was changed to “What Happened to Monday” for some international markets, including the United States.
Question 5: Who owns the distribution rights to “What Happened to Monday” now?
The distribution rights likely vary depending on the territory. Netflix holds the rights for some regions, while other distributors may own the rights in other countries.
Question 6: Does the absence of a trailer affect the film’s popularity?
Potentially, yes. While word-of-mouth and reviews play a significant role, a compelling trailer is a crucial tool for attracting new viewers. The lack of an easily accessible official trailer may limit the film’s reach to a certain extent.
Question 7: Is there any behind-the-scenes footage available for “What Happened to Monday”?
Yes, some behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew are available online, though they may require some searching. These clips can offer valuable insights into the making of the film.
Question 8: Why was the film released in different territories at different times?
This is a common practice for independent and foreign films. Distributors often strategize release dates based on local market conditions, film festivals, and competition from other releases.
Question 9: What are the best keywords to use when searching for the trailer?
Try searching for combinations of the following keywords: “What Happened to Monday,” “Seven Sisters,” “trailer,” “official trailer,” “movie trailer,” “Noomi Rapace,” “Willem Dafoe,” “Glenn Close.”
Question 10: Are there any alternative marketing materials available, such as posters or stills?
Yes, posters and stills from the film are readily available online. These materials can provide a visual representation of the film’s aesthetic and tone.
Question 11: Is it possible that the trailer was removed due to copyright issues?
While unlikely, it’s possible that some unauthorized uploads of the trailer have been removed due to copyright claims. This reinforces the importance of finding an official source, if one exists.
Question 12: Will an official trailer ever be released for “What Happened to Monday”?
Given the film’s age and the current state of distribution rights, it’s unlikely that a new, officially sanctioned trailer will be released. However, there’s always a chance that a distributor could choose to re-release the film or create a new marketing campaign in the future.
Conclusion: A Digital Ghost Hunt
The search for the elusive trailer of “What Happened to Monday” serves as a reminder of the complexities of film distribution and the impermanence of digital content. While the lack of an official trailer is frustrating, it doesn’t diminish the film’s value as a compelling piece of science fiction cinema. The fragmented state of distribution, coupled with the shifting sands of digital marketing, has turned the quest for the trailer into a digital ghost hunt, highlighting the challenges of preserving and accessing marketing materials in the age of streaming. Despite its absence, the film continues to resonate with audiences, proving that a good story can transcend the limitations of marketing and distribution.