You are here:

The Commune

Name: The Commune
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Released: 2016
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2016

Not Rated

Director

Thomas Vinterberg

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Commune is a sophisticated deconstruction of the nuclear family, finding its strength in challenging traditional gendered labor and domestic hierarchies. By placing characters in a communal experiment, it questions the concept of the patriarchal head of household. However, the film's scope is limited by its homogeneous Danish cast and a lack of focus on non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. While it critiques Western social structures effectively, it does not provide significant representation for diverse racial or LGBTQ+ groups. Ultimately, the film excels as a cultural critique of capitalism and individualism, even if it remains narrow in its demographic breadth.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Commune have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film explores themes of free love within a 1970s commune but does not provide a central narrative arc for LGBTQ+ identities. Its representation remains within a conventional framework that does not significantly disrupt assumptions about straight relationships.

How does The Commune portray gender?

Good

The narrative successfully challenges traditional gender hierarchies by highlighting the ability to act of female characters who navigate the tension between traditional masculine roles and the communal expectations of shared domesticity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Commune?

Limited

The cast is predominantly a homogeneous Danish group, reflecting its specific period and cultural setting. The film focuses on socioeconomic shifts within a specific European demographic rather than diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does The Commune represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a strong critique of Western institutions by emphasizing anti-capitalist and anti-individualist sentiments. It portrays communal living and alternative parenting as valid, complex alternatives to standard societal expectations.

Does The Commune include disability representation?

Fair

The story centers on psychological and social dynamics rather than physical or neurodivergent conditions. There is no prominent depiction of disability that provides real power to the characters.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal authority.
Provides a sophisticated exploration of shared domesticity and gendered labor.
Offers a robust critique of Western institutions and private ownership.
Challenges conventional paradigms of domesticity and the nuclear family.

Limited or Absent

Lacks central narrative arcs dedicated to LGBTQ+ identities.
Features a largely homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Provides no prominent depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A funny and moving story of family and free love set in a freewheeling 1970s commune. When Anna and Erik inherit a huge house, they gather a motley crew of cohabitants to reinvigorate their lives, forcing them to reconcile their new values with old habits.

How are these scores produced? →