Private Life

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

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

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 found myself laughing at several moments. Very smooth and the characters were likeable. A difficult subject which was kept in perspective. The irony in the movie may be lost on some people and it did drag on longer than needed, but better than a lot of your 'franchised' drivel out there.

The unmeasurable level of sacrifice that many women go through in an effort to have a rewarding career and loving family was inconceivable to me before I watched a Private Life. The strain such an effort can likely have on a woman's husband, or life partner, proved even harder for my mind to conceptualize. Even being without kids, myself, and crossing an age when life tends to fold on a single decision, I found it nearly impossible to wrap my head around the reality of the process and accept that it often drains everything short of a soul out of those trying to create life. Then came this film. Perfectly scripted, brilliantly performed, and intimately directed, this 2-hour Indie caused me to feel as I was eavesdropping on the private moments of a middle-aged couple going through its greatest crisis. Now it's the thing I can't get out of my head.