Private Life

You may wonder what some people have to fight with. A couple who wants to have kids. Seems simple enough. But then you have to account for different things: the age of the couple, if they want to adopt or "make" a baby themselves. And then everyday drama and stress begins, with many relationships being strained.

Now that may not sound enticing to you and that would be ok. But if you like dramas in general and like real life portrayed in film, this is a little gem of a film. Funny, sad, inspiring, draining, annoying, uplifting ... many things you and the characters will go through. Brilliantly acted out by everyone involved. And what a great ending ... not going to be liked by everybody - but then again you couldn't please everyone anyway.

Once again, Kathryn Hahn delivers some stunning work. The entire film is very effective and very well scripted.

Obviously a film about infertility is going to carry a weight, and that should be expected by the viewer. That being said, this was marketed on Netflix as a comedy, so the frustration by viewers who wanted a funny feel good movie is understandable. I did not go into this expecting a comedy, so I was not disappointed. I enjoyed Private Life. The aesthetic of Richard and Rachel's apartment and style was visually appealing, and I think the various moods of the story were conveyed well. Richard and Rachel, and every character, are flawed people, portrayed as such in what I consider a very accurate way. The seemingly endless loop and obsession Rachel has with getting pregnant was hard to watch because you can see her pain, and as a viewer you want to reach out to her and pull her away from the tunnel vision she has, not because of Kathryn's acting (which is superb as usual). Sadie's personality is grating at times, but that's because she is a real, dimensional person who has facets and flaws. The relationship between her and Richard and Rachel is what you're meant to focus on. The relationships between all characters is what drives the story. In the end, this is just a look into the lives of a couple who are struggling immensely with infertility. It's a snapshot of what their lives have become now. The ending scene, where they sit in an Applebee's several states over, waiting for a donor who will probably never show up (yet again) further drives this home. There's no happy ending or message in here. This is just a story that starts and ends in the middle. Don't watch this expecting gut busting laughs, or a happy ending, don't watch this if you "adore New York" and then complain that it takes place mostly in an apartment. This isn't about New York, it's about infertility

An interesting portrait of a couple who tries everything to fulfill their dream and become parents but forgetting what their relationship is all about in the process. A very personal film that handles about a very personal topic, wonderfully put in scene and written by Tamara Jenkins who finally presents us a follow up project after "The Savages" and it is just as realistic and natural. To make a rather sad and to some extends tragic story a dramedy thanks to very well chosen comedic moments was the right decision. She found two great actors who both know how to do drama and comedy and the mix of that. Paul Giamatti absolutely shines and gives one of his best performances in ages. The quality of his performance goes back to his "Sideways" days. Kathryn Hahn once again proves her talent as one of the most underrated versatile actresses of her generation. Glad she got to show her acting powers in such a juicey role. John Caroll Lynch also gets to show that he not only can plays psychopaths and losers. Molly Shannon is wonderful in a supporting role and commands every scene she is in. Another great performance by another great and underrated actress.Kayli Carter is a great new discovery and she will go places. An intimate portrait of a marriage that is put to a test. Absolutely recommendable.

Great actors and very appropriate casting of Giamatti and Hahn. I've loved this hysterical Katherine Hahn character ever since the series I Love Dick. Such a treat to see them together, and so natural! There really wasn't one moment where I felt like I was outside of the film looking in. It really captured (how I imagine!) this scenario to be, particularly the unsexiness of trying to get pregnant over and over. I also enjoyed the rebellious commentary from their niece on their art driven lifestyle, reminded me of crap I would've said in my first years at uni, haha. The focus on fertility, pregnancy, IVF cycles et al. can be a lil heavy and will probably deter the male audience (meh) but it is a film that I'd rather watch alone or with friends - not a date movie! Probably unrelated but something something like this actually happens in the film too...