Commune life films explore the intricacies, dynamics, and day-to-day experiences within communes—communities that come together to share common interests, ideals, or lifestyles, often emphasizing shared property, resources, and, in some cases, non-traditional social norms. These narratives can dive into utopian aspirations, the challenges of communal living, or the clash between individual desires and collective goals. These films are a window into the diverse ways humans seek connection, purpose, and meaning through shared existence, from bohemian artist collectives to strict religious communes, showcasing the beauty and complexity of communal life.
“Together”, 2021
Director: Stephen Daldry, Justin Martin
Directed by Lukas Moodysson, this Swedish film paints a picture of communal life in the 1970s. It follows the lives of members of a progressive commune named Tillsammans, living in suburban Stockholm after the wife of one of the members leaves her abusive husband and moves in, highlighting the challenges and joys of their collective existence.
Starring: James McAvoy, Sharon Horgan, Samuel Jones;
Production year: 2021;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 92 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Together” on the website imdb.com
“The Beach”, 2000
Director: Danny Boyle
Although not about a commune in the traditional sense, “The Beach,” directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, explores similar themes. It tells the story of a young traveler who finds a secret island in Thailand that hosts a close-knit, secretive community seeking paradise. The community's initial ideals of utopia are challenged by human nature and external threats.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Virginie Ledoyen, Tilda Swinton, Guillaume Canet, Robert Carlyle, Paterson Joseph, Zelda Tinska, Peter Youngblood Hills, Daniel Caltagirone, Daniel York;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Beach” on the website imdb.com
“Wanderlust”, 2012
Director: David Wain
Directed by David Wain, this comedy follows George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston), a Manhattan couple who, after George loses his job, stumble upon Elysium, an idyllic counterculture commune. The film humorously explores their adjustment to a radically different way of life from their previous urban existence.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Alan Alda, Malin Åkerman, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Kathryn Hahn, Kerri Kenney, Lauren Ambrose;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Wanderlust” on the website imdb.com
“The Source Family”, 2012
Director: Maria Demopoulos, Jodi Wille
A documentary directed by Jodi Wille and Maria Demopoulos about a radical experiment in ’70s utopian living. The Source Family was a charismatic commune founded in Hollywood, known for its outlandish spiritual practices, rock band, and health food restaurant, exploring the complexities of communal life and the impact of its unconventional leader.
Starring: Ahom Aquarian, Isis Aquarian, Elena Michaels, Father Yod;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: documentary, music;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
“The East”, 2013
Director: Zal Batmanglij
Directed by Zal Batmanglij and starring Brit Marling, this thriller delves into the life of an operative for an elite private intelligence firm who infiltrates an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. The group lives communally, sharing ideals and strategies, which challenges the protagonist's beliefs and loyalties.
Starring: Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Elliot Page, Toby Kebbell, Shiloh Fernandez, Aldis Hodge, Danielle Macdonald, Hillary Baack, Patricia Clarkson, Jason Ritter;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The East” on the website imdb.com
“Captain Fantastic”, 2016
Director: Matt Ross
Directed by Matt Ross, this film tells the story of Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen) and his six children, who live in isolation in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, practicing a rigorous, self-sufficient, and philosophically enriched life. The narrative explores the impact of their reintegration into society and questions the ideals of communal upbringing versus conventional living.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Trin Miller, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“Midsommar”, 2019
Director: Ari Aster
Directed by Ari Aster, this horror film follows a group of friends who travel to Sweden to visit a rural hometown's fabled mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult. The film explores the darker sides of communal living, with a strong emphasis on folk horror elements.
Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Vilhelm Blomgren, William Jackson Harper, Will Poulter, Ellora Torchia, Archie Madekwe, Henrik Norlén, Gunnel Fred, Isabelle Grill;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: horror, drama, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 148 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
These films, through their unique lenses, offer viewers a spectrum of perspectives on what it means to live communally, from idealistic and utopian to deeply flawed and dystopian.
In the exploration of films about commune life, a rich tapestry is woven from the threads of idealism, camaraderie, conflict, and disillusionment. These narratives, ranging from utopian visions to cautionary tales, underline a universal yearning for belonging and the search for an alternative to the discontents of mainstream society. Through the lens of cinema, viewers are invited to journey into these insular worlds, discovering both the beauty and the complexity of communal living. Whether it be through the psychedelic hues of the '60s counterculture, the pastoral simplicity of back-to-the-land movements, or the stark reality of cult dynamics, these films serve as compelling examinations of human nature, the challenges of collective existence, and our perpetual quest for utopia. As reflections of both their times and the timeless, these cinematic endeavors remind us of the power of community and the enduring allure of the ideal of creating “a heaven on earth,” even as they caution against the potential perils of such pursuits.
