Movie Review: IFC Films’ Monday Starring Sebastian Stan, Denise Gough – Sumptuous and Authentic

MONDAY-Movie-2021-IFC-Films-movie-poster-key-art

Genre: Romance, Drama

Directed By: Argyris Papadimitropoulos

Written By: Rob Hayes and Argyris Papadimitropoulos

Cast: Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough

Runtime: 115 minutes

Release Date: April 16, 2021 – In Theaters and On Demand

Reviewer’s Rating: 4 ★★★★★

With rom-coms a plenty out there giving us all a happy-ending, IFC Films’ drama-romance Monday, starring Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough isn’t just another romance wrapped up in a pretty bow. The intrusive look at how a one-nightstand turned relationship evolves rings very true for those who’ve experienced it. Monday is a masterful and sumptuous film that looks into the soul of the fiery passion of love and lust with an unfiltered gaze. Stan and Gough set the screen ablaze with their sensuous chemistry.

After being briefly introduced at a party one night, Mickey (Sebastian Stan) and Chloe (Denise Gough) hit it off. While it may not appear electric at first, it’s undeniable the chemistry between these two. But Chloe is done with her time in Greece and is headed back to an arranged job in Chicago. Mickey tempts Chloe to spend her last weekend with him, so when in Greece… Monday utilizes its location to the fullest.

Director Argyris Padadimitropoulos takes advantage of the beautiful scenery, seaside magnificence, architecture, even using some locations from his own life which lends authenticity to the story allowing Greece to become a character of its own. Monday takes you on both a physical and emotional journey, transporting you into the life of Mickey and Chloe.

MONDAY - IFC Films - Sebastian Stan, Denise Gough — One night can lead to a lifetime — Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough star in IFC Films’ MONDAY – In theaters and VOD April 16, 2021

Trailer: IFC Films’ Monday Starring Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough, In Theaters and VOD April 16

What I appreciated about Monday is the realness of the relationship. Mickey persuades Chloe to stay in Greece but without really knowing each other, it’s a gamble for them both. Everyone has a past, and Mickey’s past is why he remains in Greece, going on seven years now. And Chloe is an attorney but had her heart broken (quite recently) by her former boss. All their drama begins to leak out during their courtship leading to the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

MONDAY - IFC Films - Sebastian Stan, Denise Gough 003 — Taking a chance — Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough star in IFC Films’ MONDAY – in theaters and VOD April 16, 2021

The acting is so organic making you believe Stan and Gough are in love. They play off each other so well, it’s so engaging to watch them on screen. When they are passionate, it’s hot. When they argue, it’s tense and awkward. They are still learning about each other, getting acquainted with each other’s quirks, and must deal with complex situations as they arise. The complexity of a few situations hit hard and could easily be a mix of a variety of relationships; I know I resonated with a few instances of Chloe feeling insecure about herself, the relationship’s stability, and if she made a mistake staying.

MONDAY - IFC Films - Sebastian Stan, Denise Gough 004 — The couch that got away… — Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough star in IFC Films’ MONDAY – in theaters and VOD April 16, 2021

One of the supporting cast members, Giorgos Pyrpasopoulos who plays Mickey’s best friend Argyris, is fantastic. He knows Mickey and calls him out on his bullshit. Mickey is younger than Chloe but that doesn’t make him immature, he’s just not used to someone actually giving a shit about him or his future. Chloe brings out the best in Mickey and vice versa. They also bring out the worst in each other and can both be self-destructive and self-sabotaging. Underneath their flaws burns a love that’s waiting to be nurtured. I love these two together and rooting for them. They’re both fun, full of life, and have baggage. Monday doesn’t sugarcoat the failures or mask the pain. Life is dirty sometimes but it’s also as wonderful as the blue-green waters off the Grecian coast. If you’re open to it, life will give you want you want, just not always in the cute, neat package you expect.

Monday / IFC Films Social Media

Official Site: https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/monday

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFCFilmsOfficial/

Twitter: @Monday_TheMovie

Instagram: @Monday_TheMovie

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.