La comunidad (UK title: Common Wealth) is a 2000 Spanish black comedy film directed by Álex de la Iglesia, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jorge Guerricaechevarría. The film stars Carmen Maura as Julia, a real estate agent who stumbles upon a hidden fortune, setting off a darkly comedic and violent conflict with her greedy neighbours.
Plot
Set in Madrid, the story follows Julia, a middle-aged real estate agent struggling to sell properties. While showing an apartment belonging to a recently deceased elderly man, she discovers 300 million Spanish pesetas (₧) hidden inside the walls. Unbeknownst to her, the eccentric and ruthless neighbours of the building have been waiting for the man to die so they can seize the money for themselves. What follows is a tense, darkly humorous battle of wits and violence as Julia tries to escape with the fortune while the neighbours close in.
Cast
- Carmen Maura as Julia
- Eduardo Antuña as Charly
- María Asquerino as Encarna
- Jesús Bonilla as Ricardo
- Emilio Gutiérrez Caba as Emilio
- Terele Pávez as Ramona
- Sancho Gracia as Castro
- Kiti Mánver as Dolores
- Luis Tosar (cameo)
- Antonio de la Torre (cameo)
Production
The film was produced by LolaFilms with participation from Antena 3 and Vía Digital. The fictional building is credited as Carrera de San Jerónimo 14, though interior shots were filmed on Calle del Desengaño. The climactic fight sequence was shot atop the Banco de Bilbao building in Madrid, among the building's quadriga statues.
Release
La comunidad opened the 48th San Sebastián International Film Festival on 21 September 2000 and was theatrically released in Spain on 29 September 2000. It grossed €6.71 million from 1,601,861 admissions, making it the highest-grossing Spanish film of 2000. A 4K restoration was released in Spanish theatres on 21 August 2025 by Avalon.
Accolades
The film received 15 Goya Award nominations and won three:
| Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Sebastián IFF | Silver Shell for Best Actress | Carmen Maura | Won |
| Goya Awards | Best Actress | Carmen Maura | Won |
| Goya Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Emilio Gutiérrez Caba | Won |
| Goya Awards | Best Film | — | Nominated |
| Goya Awards | Best Director | Álex de la Iglesia | Nominated |
| Goya Awards | Best Original Screenplay | Jorge Guerricaechevarría, Álex de la Iglesia | Nominated |
Themes
The film is a satirical black comedy driven by themes of greed, ambition, and moral degradation. It has been noted for its prescient commentary on corruption and the dark side of Spanish society during the economic boom. Critics have praised its frenetic pacing, stylized visuals, and Carmen Maura's acclaimed lead performance.
