The Commune (2016): A Deep Dive Into The Film

Hey guys! Let's dive into The Commune, a thought-provoking film from 2016 that explores the dynamics of communal living and relationships. This movie, directed by Thomas Vinterberg, offers a fascinating and sometimes uncomfortable look at the challenges and triumphs of a group of people trying to live together under one roof. If you're curious about alternative lifestyles, or just love a good character-driven drama, this film is definitely worth checking out. We're going to break down the plot, explore the key themes, and discuss why The Commune continues to resonate with audiences today.

What is The Commune all about?

At its core, The Commune tells the story of Erik and Anna, an academic couple in 1970s Denmark, who decide to start a commune in Erik's large family home. They invite friends, colleagues, and even some strangers to join them, hoping to create a more fulfilling and connected life. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, as you can probably guess, things get complicated pretty quickly. The film beautifully portrays the initial excitement and idealism of the group, as they navigate the challenges of shared living, democratic decision-making, and balancing individual needs with the needs of the collective. But as time goes on, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and the commune begins to fracture under the weight of personal desires and unspoken resentments.

One of the central themes of The Commune is the exploration of relationships within a shared living environment. The film delves into the complexities of romantic partnerships, friendships, and family bonds when they are put under the microscope of communal living. We see how the initial sense of unity and shared purpose can be eroded by the everyday realities of living in close proximity with others. The characters grapple with issues of jealousy, infidelity, and the struggle to maintain their individuality within the group. This makes the film deeply relatable, even for those who haven't experienced communal living firsthand, because it touches on universal themes of human connection and the challenges of making relationships work.

Another crucial element of the movie is its portrayal of communication and conflict resolution. The commune members attempt to make decisions collectively, holding meetings and voting on important issues. However, the film realistically depicts how difficult it can be to achieve true consensus, especially when strong emotions are involved. We see how personal agendas, unspoken desires, and the fear of conflict can undermine the group's ability to make fair and effective decisions. This aspect of the film highlights the importance of open and honest communication, as well as the challenges of navigating power dynamics within a group setting. The characters' struggles to communicate effectively often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, which further contribute to the unraveling of the commune.

The Characters: A Microcosm of Human Nature

The Commune is driven by its well-developed and relatable characters. Each member of the commune brings their own personality, quirks, and baggage to the table, creating a fascinating microcosm of human nature. Let's take a closer look at some of the key players:

• Erik: Erik, played by Ulrich Thomsen, is a professor of architecture and the owner of the house that becomes the commune. He is initially enthusiastic about the idea of communal living, but his desire for a simpler life is complicated by his own insecurities and desires. Erik's character highlights the challenges of maintaining a sense of self in a group setting, and the difficulty of reconciling personal ambitions with the needs of the collective.
• Anna: Trine Dyrholm delivers a powerful performance as Anna, Erik's wife, a television news presenter who is struggling with her career and her sense of purpose. Anna's journey is central to the film, as she grapples with the complexities of her marriage and her own desires. Her decision to suggest opening up their marriage is a pivotal moment in the film, and it sets in motion a series of events that ultimately challenge the foundations of the commune.
• Freja: Helene Reingaard Neumann plays Freja, a young student who becomes romantically involved with Erik. Freja's presence in the commune adds another layer of complexity to the relationships within the group, and her character raises questions about the dynamics of age, power, and desire. The relationship between Erik and Freja serves as a catalyst for many of the conflicts that arise within the commune.

These are just a few of the many interesting characters that make up The Commune. Each member of the group has their own story to tell, and their interactions with one another create a rich tapestry of human experience. The film excels at portraying the nuances of human relationships, and it avoids simplistic characterizations, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level.

Themes Explored in The Commune

The Commune delves into several compelling themes that make it a lasting and thought-provoking film. Here are some of the most prominent:

The Illusion of Utopia

The film cleverly examines the idea of utopia and the challenges of creating a perfect society. The members of the commune initially believe that they can create a better way of life by living together, sharing resources, and making decisions collectively. However, they soon discover that even in the most idealistic settings, human nature can be a significant obstacle. The film suggests that the pursuit of utopia is often fraught with difficulty, as personal desires and conflicts can undermine the best intentions.

The Price of Togetherness

The Commune also explores the price of togetherness and the sacrifices that individuals must make to live in a community. The characters must learn to compromise, negotiate, and adapt to the needs of the group. This can be a challenging process, as it requires individuals to relinquish some of their autonomy and privacy. The film raises important questions about the balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility, and it highlights the potential for tension between these two values.

The Evolution of Relationships

As mentioned earlier, the film provides a nuanced portrayal of relationships and how they evolve over time. The initial excitement and passion of the commune members gradually give way to the realities of shared living, and the relationships between the characters are tested by jealousy, infidelity, and the pressures of daily life. The Commune reminds us that relationships are constantly in flux, and that they require ongoing effort and communication to thrive.

The Search for Identity

Underlying many of the characters' actions is a deep search for identity and belonging. In the close-knit environment of the commune, individuals are forced to confront their own desires, insecurities, and fears. The film highlights the importance of self-awareness and the challenges of maintaining a sense of self in a group setting. The characters' struggles with identity contribute to the overall theme of the film, which is the search for meaning and connection in a complex world.

Why The Commune Still Resonates

Even though The Commune is set in the 1970s, its themes and characters still resonate with audiences today. The film's exploration of relationships, communication, and the challenges of communal living are timeless and universal. In a world that often feels isolating and disconnected, the idea of finding connection and community is more relevant than ever. The Commune reminds us that while living in close proximity with others can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Moreover, the film's realistic portrayal of human nature makes it deeply relatable. The characters in The Commune are flawed and complex, and they make mistakes just like we do. This allows the audience to empathize with their struggles and to reflect on their own relationships and experiences. The film's honesty and vulnerability are what make it so powerful and enduring.

In conclusion, The Commune is a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of communal living. Its thought-provoking themes, well-developed characters, and realistic portrayal of human nature make it a truly memorable cinematic experience. So, grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready for a deep dive into The Commune! You won't be disappointed. What are your thoughts on communal living? Share your comments below, guys! I'd love to hear what you think. ✌️