“Writer-Director Elisabeth Fies’s The Commune recalls the golden age of 1970’s filmmaking with its tawny subversiveness and silken grindhouse texture. Indeed, The Commune details the twisted journey of a glittery beauty (think the Candice Rialson classic Pets, only in reverse) and the film’s mythical mysteries recall the energy of such mainstream horror offerings as The Sentinel, Audrey Rose, Rosemary’s Baby and Burnt Offerings.…

Fies works with a dreamy unease and subtle power. The true horror of the piece does not kick in until the final moments, but Fies rewards the patient among us with quirky characterizations, bizarre encounters and intense sexuality. Much like Lana Turner in 1941’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Chauntal Lewis supplies (a slightly petulant) angelic glow as Jenny. Lewis uncovers the layers of Jenny’s dreamy adolescence and its visible cracks and she is well met by David Lago’s sexy, Goth friendly Puck. The tender eroticism the two elicit is well contrasted by the dark contrivances of co-stars Stuart G. Bennett and Adrian Lee, as Jenny’s forceful father and his quirky commune muse.”
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- Brian Kirst, The Horror Society

"Classic storytelling of a difficult and important subject; told with grace, class, and intelligence."
- Michael Conley, President, Conley Communications

"'The Commune' makes the most of its miniscule budget, and contains some nicely staged external shots and clever use of recurrent symbolic imagery. The opening scene in which a pair of knitting needles are put to unexpected use certainly captures the viewer's attention, and despite being sixteen going on thirty Lewis proves a strong actress who carries the film with aplomb. For those that can stomach all the hippy-dippy dialogue, this is an enjoyable enough journey into the psyche of dysfunction, and one that certainly throws up the odd surprise along the way."
- Digital Retribution - review


"The Commune follows a teenager's unwilling descent into the insanity of her father's New Age commune, which culminates in terror."
- Pretty/Scary - article


"Played with the ideas Noah Cross brought forth in the classic noir, Chinatown...The payoff is more twisted than many mainstream horror fans will be ready for (and, almost without any blood at all – how about them apples?)...Fies manages to take a small budgeted film and squeeze it for all it’s worth. I look forward to checking out what she has coming up next and recommend this film to any cinephiles that are looking for substance over style in their fare."
- Screamin Demon - review



"The Commune is so disturbing you just can’t stop thinking about it."
- Action Chick - review



"The Commune é uma mistura de mito e mistério, o filme conta sobre uma jovem virgem que se encontra isolada pelos membros da “família” em uma antiga seita religiosa que possui uma sinistra..."
- Cinefantasy Film Festival - film program



"Can be related to on several levels, especially if you are a teenage girl like Jenny is. It explores family issues, first loves, lies, and the depths of human depravity. Interesting isn’t it?...The characters were interesting, rich, deep, and in the end I really cared about what was going to happen."
- Film Snobbery - review



"'Well played Ms. Fies', I thought. She might be trying to influence my opinion by planting suggestions in my head that her movie was popular, well-liked, and worth my time to watch. Not really a bad move! Another thing this tells me is that the filmmaker is out there hustling and getting the word out on her film...This, ladies and gentleman of the jury, is how to create a proper press packet!"
- Film Snobbery - article



"This doesn't looks like your usual low budget zombie or cannibal or slasher filled indie flick...Cool trailer. Definitely appears to have more in common with the psychological thrillers of the 70s than todays cheesy low budget offerings (most of which I admittedly enjoy). Also worth mentioning - the female lead looks very cute!"
- Digital Retribution - article



It is darkly sinister and yet very engaging...I was not expecting such a well-written film. The story really gets under your skin...Isolation, betrayal and lack of boundaries are the backbone of this tale...(Chauntal) Lewis wears her vulnerability tucked just underneath the surface of her teenage anger and angst like a slip under a skirt...This film is gorgeous to look at...Thank you Ms. Fies for churning my stomach for a while. That’s what a good little horror film does, doesn’t it? This female writer/director is a story-teller and has made me proud to be in the same gender as she has accomplished much with very little."
- Wildside Cinema - review



"Nowadays, indie filmmakers are enlightened, thoughtful filmmakers, attempting to make not just scary or gory movies, but giving us little pieces of art that mainstream Hollywood can't (or won't) touch...We here at Rogue Cinema can't wait to see what Elisabeth gives us next, but persoanlly being a fan of westerns, I can't wait to see Pistoleras...get working Lis!"
- Rogue Cinema - interview



"The film is noteworthy for more than just the gender of its director. It’s also a compelling, increasingly disturbing, effort that on first thought is reminiscent of such cult classics as “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Wicker Man,” and then on further examination feels a lot like “Twin Peaks.” It seriously needs some time on a psychiatrist’s couch...Considering everything that Lewis has going for her, it’s surprising that she isn’t a bigger star...The script obviously contains real life moments, because, for the most part, it feels honest. For instance, the sex scene between Lewis and Lago could have been ripped from any teen girl’s diary. Gone are the ridiculous panting and confident pumping that we see so often in Hollywood films, and in its place is a girl who is nervous and unsure. This scene alone should be screened at high schools across the country to give everyone a better perspective on sex...Some of the dialogue, too, is quotable. I’d like to see “you reek of French fries” on a bumper sticker.“The Commune” accomplishes something that films with a much larger budget can’t even do - and that is to entertain...It deserves to be seen by a much wider audience. Hear that Lionsgate? Pick this up, tout de suite!...Here’s to hoping that Fies is writing another feature with Lewis in the lead. I’ll be the first to see it."
- Fielding on Film - review



"Writer-Director Elisabeth Fies is slowly conquering the world with her unexpectedly powerful debut, The Commune. Filled with masterful touches and a vibe akin to such 70’s creep fests as The Sentinel and The Legacy, The Commune has been receiving rave reviews and now the determined Fies is prepping for a masterful follow-up with her violent Pistoleras. The smart, funny, go for broke Fies recently took a moment from her exotically creative schedule to answer some exclusive questions for all lucky Horror Society patrons."
- Horror Society - interview



"An accomplishment in many ways...highly entertaining. However, what's of particular interest to me is that it also employs women in significant roles. Many screenwriters literally write scripts that guarantee low employment figures for women. "The Commune" features the "trinity" of women's roles in life: the virgin, mother and crone. The villain of the piece is an astoundingly creepy cult leader who relates to women not as people but as their reproductive capacities. "The Commune" creators manage to create terror without having to resort to vampires or phantasmagoric figures. These creeps are real. While I long for the day that Hornbacher and Fies can use their obvious talents in other film fare, they are well on their way to being taken seriously. From script to screen, "The Commune" is a great first film and horrific as it is, it deserves our support."
**- The Huffington Post - review/profile



"When it comes down to it, The Commune is a fascinating look at the psychological influence of the cult, with the darkest kind of evil juxtaposed to a setting of lush, vibrant-colored scenery. And once the shocking truth is revealed, we are left wondering two things: 1) are we innately evil and easily driven to madness simply by following the leader? And 2) will Fies continue to make horror films because this barely classifies as one, or will she further explore the evil side of man that she has boldly tapped into here."
- Best Horror Movies - review



"What makes the film so watchable were the colors. They really caught my attention and melded so nicely with the scenes. It's a nicely written film that slowly builds as you try and figure out what everyone is up to, and why."
- Obscure Horror - review



"Jenny, une adolescente de 16 ans enquêtant sur l'implication de son père dans un culte dénommé La Commune, découvre un monde effrayant de rituel, de sexe et de meurtre, dont même son petit ami, Puck, pourrait ne pas la sauver....."
- l'Ecran Fantastique - news 2



"Tragédie grecque racontée sous forme d'un thriller psychologique réminiscente de ceux des années 70, "The Commune" écrit et dirigé par la nouvelle venue Elisabeth Fies n'est pas sans évoquer le célèbre "Wicker Man" de Robin Hardy."
- l'Ecran Fantastique - news 1



"The film really takes self-styled religious cults and rakes them over the coals; in this case the group in question couldn’t be any more vile or selfish. But it’s not just a cautionary tale of religious extremism; The Commune is also a story of the archetypal dysfunctional family. Whether in the blood or in adopted cult form (or both), the dangers of philosophical delusions exerted over others are very clearly and dreadfully expressed. You can guess a portion of the ending, but the horrors continue to grow beyond expectation. Well done.

High production values yield some very nice cinematography and set dressing; the scenes are colorful and lively, but not so much so that they take away from the storyline or performances. Fine acting all the way around enhances the story; Jenny is well realized as the bratty young girl forced into a wicked world, while characters like Rhea and Clark are palpably deranged. Even the music and sound, composed by multiple groups and individuals, is professional and well-accomplished."
- Horror Review - review



"'The Commune' Takes Cues From 'Wicker Man', Greek Mytho. The self-proclaimed "new cult classic" (can you self-proclaim that?) The Commune has launched their official website that features your first look at the trailer and multiple scenes for the film having its world premiere June 5th at 11:45 pm opening night of the prestigious Dances With Films festival at the Sunset Laemmle in Los Angeles."
- Bloody Disgusting - news



"Producer/Writer/Directer Elisabeth Fies and Emmy-Winner David Lago come into the studio and nearly burn the place down as they answer questions about their latest film, "The Commune"...This film is a WILD psychological thriller with a surprise ending that you will NEVER forget!!!! Be sure to see this one!"
- In the Can - interview



"The Commune Is Coming! A new occult-related horror/thriller is on the horizon."
- Horror Blips - news



"This years festival will highlight a psychological thriller 'The Commune.'"
- 28 Days Later Analysis - news



"World Premiering at the Dances With Films Film Festival in Los Angeles on June 5th, the thriller The Commune by Elizabeth Fies is a crazy trip into the world of communes and cults and our worst fears about all that New Age crap. The Commune is the festival's opening night film - a huge honor!"
- Pretty/Scary - news



"Talented gorgeous actress Chauntal Lewis (The Commune) was in a terrible car accident on March 18th, 2009 and lost her left hand...We're raising money for Chauntal's new prosthetic hand..."
- Pretty/Scary - news



"Alec Baldwin is fed up with the WGA 's negotiators. Robert Elisberg corrects Baldwin's errors but stops short of calling him an idiot. And Elisabeth Fies is just waiting for her film, The Commune, to open."
- Fishbowl LA - news



"Chauntal Lewis has been living the dream – er, nightmare – on the set of her new movie, The Commune, for the past two months. In the film, Lewis notes, her character “kinda [goes] crazy.” But who wouldn’t? Lewis portrays a girl whose parents divorced when she was very young, and who has just reunited with her estranged father for the summer."
- Campus Circle - interview