Mondays in the Sun is a Spanish drama film directed by Fernando León de Aranoa. The film explores the lives of a group of former shipyard workers who are struggling to come to terms with the closure of their shipyard in Northern Spain, which has left them unemployed and disillusioned. The story is set in the early 2000s, in the aftermath of the global economic crisis.
The film follows the lives of six men, who are all linked by their past work at the shipyard, but who are now facing different struggles in their daily lives. The most prominent character is Santa, played by Javier Bardem, who is the unofficial leader of the group and keeps up a facade of confidence and bravado despite his own struggles. Santa is facing a court case relating to an incident during the protests against the closure of the shipyard, when he smashed a lamp.
José, played by Luis Tosar, is bitter and resentful because his wife Ana, played by Nieve De Medina, still has a job while he does not. He is worried that Ana will leave him for a co-worker, which drives him to drink and gamble. Ana, on the other hand, is struggling with her own insecurities about her aging appearance and the grueling night shift work at a fish factory.
Lino, played by José Ángel Egido, is the oldest member of the group and is very proud of his work at the shipyard. He is doggedly pursuing positions beyond his qualifications, but his efforts are in vain. Amador, played by Celso Bugallo, is struggling with alcoholism and is convinced that his wife will soon return from holiday, despite all evidence to the contrary.
The film depicts the daily struggles of these characters in a gritty and realistic way, showing the harsh realities of unemployment, poverty, and despair. The storyline is punctuated by moments of humor and camaraderie among the men, who find solace and support in each other's company. Through their struggles, the men come to realize that their comradeship and mutual support are the most valuable things they have left.