Erik, a lecturer in architecture, inherits his father’s large old house in Hellerup, north of Copenhagen. His wife Anna, a well-known television newscaster, suggests that they invite their friends to come and live with them. A dozen women, men and children move into the country house, make collective decisions, engage in discussions and go swimming together in the nearby Øresund strait. However, the fragile equilibrium is ruptured when Erik falls in love with his student Emma and the young woman moves into the house. Based on Vinterberg’s own childhood experiences, the director depicts a private experiment from the 1970s in which community and individuality, freedom and tradition, and the promise of happiness also harbour dangers.
Not convinced? Listen to this month’s film podcast to hear our review of The Commune (11 minutes and 15 seconds in)…