Private Life (2018) User Reviews

like a smooth ride on an empty street

[meme-36137 · 8/10 · 5 October 2018]

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.

Not a comedy

[audreythejunglegirl-724-669637 · 8/10 · 15 October 2018]

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

This film was really good, can't believe I watched it on Netflix!

[Le_Nausea · 7/10 · 9 October 2018]

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...

Very Apt Writing, Brilliant Cast

[Tail_End_Charlie · 6 October 2018]

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.

Bit too long but...

[leftbackdug · 7/10 · 7 October 2018]

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.

If you don't understand the ending or why it feels like a long film...

[amanda-15127-18211 · 10/10 · 2 November 2018]

... then you are clearly lucky enough to not have experienced infertility issues. The reason it's so long is because infertility is long. The reason the ending never reached a climax is because for some people, the journey to becoming parents never ends. If you consider these points then you'll see your complaints in a whole new light.

I thought the acting was superb, I loved the candid, realistic portrayal of such a horrific and sensitive subject. Definitely recommend this film.

Good Sense,Sarcastic Humor

[christellasharleen · 6/10 · 9 December 2019]

The scenes are just beautiful,artsy and aesthetic. The color pallete's just beautiful in netflix's way. Low budget but no problems with it. Slow paced,but realistic and nothing too much. Each person has strong character and just play their roles nicely. They got great sense and also sarcastic humor. The one that sticks for me is when Rachel and Richard was leaving from the thanksgiving dinner because of the argue between Sadie and her mom, while they already in the car and Cynthia was yelling at them,Cynthia's husband still gave them the take-away-thanksgiving-dinner rushly for Rachel and Richard,packed nicely and covered with foils,that scene made me laugh,so hard.

Private and real

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 3 April 2019]

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.

I was invested and left wondering

[elishawin2005 · 7/10 · 10 October 2019]

A little bit of spoilers: I don't think you have to have been through fertility problems in order to like this movie because I haven't and I did. You almost start to feel like geez, maybe it's just not meant to be or how much more are you going to endure but many people have to do this if they really want a child. The ending left me hanging because for two hours I was invested and hopeful but now I'm left wondering what happened, wihich happens with movies sometimes. Yes, I'd love to know exactly what happened but I'm totally ok with wondering a little bit. The acting was really good all around

Top notch character dramedy

[Alexander_Blanchett · 8/10 · 7 October 2018]

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.

Very realistic story, but seemed unfinished

[pantovicmilicans · 6/10 · 20 December 2018]

Many people nowadays go through process of conceiving and the actors done a great job to make the story realistic, but I felt like something is missing... ending was bad.More drama or better music to picture this painful truth.

This film was an eye-opener for me.

[wonderstone_entertainment · 9/10 · 30 August 2021]

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.

Child is gift

[motiul · 7/10 · 21 January 2019]

I feel bad about the parents who don't have child. And this film narrated the complications of IVF process in practical way. The acting is so real I am go ahead with the film twice. Thanks

The ending made me feel pranked.

[danyellmarlatt · 5/10 · 16 October 2018]

The movie was good I actually enjoyed it a lot, I felt deeply involved in the characters lives so never got bored. I just wish that the ending would have been better. It didn't even have to be a happy ending but they left it completely open ended after 2 hours of watching their struggle. I felt completely punked at the end.

Powerful, with fantastic performances

[Red_Identity · 7 January 2019]

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

Endless wait

[v-orozcon · 7/10 · 12 March 2020]

Actors are amazing. Story? Painful as hell. My comments are strictly personal. What a dragging, painful, long, endlessly waiting to make a personal desire so wanting and absurd, to the point to forget to live your life as it is or erase the very meaning of life itself, converting it into a long seek of "something/someone". And really makes me wonder with all do respect, why it seems so insane to wish for something without evaluating everything else you can give to life and others. Excruciating and so emotionally painful for me, but at this point, I respect my husband like he's my hero and I recognize how much sometimes as woman I make him go through. Great story.

LOVED THIS FILM

[jessewriter · 10/10 · 6 October 2018]

It is so rare for me to enjoy every single aspect of a film. The acting was superb. The writing was top shelf. Wonderful cast. Good sets. Enjoyable soundtrack. And I usually complain about two hours being too long but, in this case, I didn't mind at all and didn't want it to end. I don't remember when I've enjoyed a movie this much; there's so much junk out there. The only minor point I didn't like, and it's trivial, is putting a title on different scenes. Like a headline on a sub-text. I think I would've understood the transitions just fine without the titles.

Incomplete

[stella-georgoudi · 6/10 · 25 November 2018]

Good acting, bad ending...not looking for a happy ending but expecting closure..

It definitely pulls you in

[Nikkers980 · 9/10 · 16 October 2018]

The whole film I was waiting for that high -- that relief to come and it never came. And that just very well may be how it is for those struggling with infertility. It definitely pulls you in and you forget you're watching a movie. Walking away from this I feel I have learned so much more about infertility, relationships etc ... Great acting, and great story telling.

Keep Trying, Ad Nausium

[rdg45 · 6/10 · 23 October 2018]

An interesting and humorous story with Paul "sadsack" Giamatti in his typical role of a hapless and ineffective husband trying to start a family at an over-the-hill age. It is a fun film you should enjoy for its full length.

Story of my life

[noosah_saleh · 10/10 · 16 October 2018]

It was extremely shocking to me that an actress - who probably have never done IVF - can act this good to show how frustrated , sad , anticipated a woman can be going through all this agony . I still remember the faces of people in the waiting room at IVF clinic , the hope rising and falling . The movie is the only one that made me cry and laugh at the same time .

Not a bad drama

[leandrolopesnaruto · 7/10 · 27 November 2018]

Good drama about a couple looking to get pregnant.

Fabulous must see film if you like real films that have a story and connect to ordinary people

[Boristhemoggy · 10/10 · 23 October 2018]

Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti are both clever, intelligent actors, who have an intimate understanding of their characters so they are utterly believeable in anything they do. This film is no different, you can believe fully in Rachel and Richard as brought to life by these two, and you can almost forget you are watching a film, and instant find yourself flowing smoothly through the life of two people with one intent. I found the story almost pedestrian at the beginning as the pace seemed slow but in fact the film flew over, all 2 hours of it, and when it did I wished there was another 2 hours of it. I totally believe in Rachel and Richard and I love that Paul and Kathryn can bring that sort of performance to me.

Barren comedy

[kevin c · 6/10 · 20 January 2019]

Movie night with Iris.

Sometimes funny comedy on the quest for successful fertilisation. The strong cast make what could have been unlikable characters likable.

Trials of older adults getting pregnant

[KittyWitty917 · 5/10 · 10 October 2018]

I felt it was a very well done movie. Actors on spot, story line great, kept you interested. Not ONE dull moment. ***Spoiler Alert***. The ending sucked. It was soooo bad I couldn't believe it. Why!! Why!! With all their heartache why throw in another teaser on the prego experience at the end. A better ending would have been for their niece to show up with her baby nine months later as a gift of love which was her intent to begin with. If the Nine Months Later timeline printed on the screen was to maybe give the viewer that impression.... the director should have followed through with the ACTUAL SCENE.....and not a baby maybe downer teaser. I was being generous with 5 stars just because ALL the actors did a tremendous job with this sensitive subject matter.