Private Life

The entire cast turns in wonderful performances. The script is infused with droll humor, and the multiple instances of awkwardness come off as genuine, bolstered by sensitive pacing. The storyline feels a bit worn and redundant at times, but this might have been intentional, considering the subject matter. In contrast, many contemporary American films strive to include way too many plot points. The city scenes and interiors made me miss New York -- the production design was quite good. There are a few subtle surprises in the script which worked well. Highly recommended.

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...

I have always had a soft corner for well written, ultra realistic dramas like this one, so I liked it anyway. But what makes this noteworthy is its intriguing brand of humour, which is so subtle, suppressed even. And very cinematic all the same, communicated via cuts and mis-en-scene. The soundtrack is one of the best I have heard in the past few years and the performances are very very good too.

The plot may make it seem like this lacks universal appeal but it spoke a lot to me about how we all inadvertently do so much for brief reprieves from the abyss, and how that is both futile and necessary. Netflix funding some real good stuff these days.

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

Both the leads have such an endearing quality to them, their relationship seems so natural that you forget they are acting, the movie feels so real and makes the viewer become a part of the couple's life. Great acting, great writing on a couple's journey to become parents while holding on to their relationship. Simply endearing.