Hi everyone!
Welcome back to Streaming Saturdays! We have another film from Likely Story Productions this week, who was also behind “The Land of Steady Habits” (Episode #265) from two weeks ago. And that makes another three Netflix Originals for the week, and 103 films so far this year. I’m thinking about possibly breaking out the Netflix Original reviews into their own separate podcast next year. I’d be interested in your opinions on that. Let me know at onemoviepunch.com or reach out to me on social media.
And now...
Today’s movie is “Private Life” (2018), the Netflix Original drama written and directed by Tamara Jenkins. The film follows an infertile couple, Richard (Paul Giamatti) and Rachel (Kathryn Hahn), who are struggling with assisted reproduction and child adoption. While on the brink of giving up, their step-niece Sadie (Kayli Carter) returns and offers to be an egg donor.
Spoilers ahead.
There’s been a small, but loyal buzz about this film since its premiere at Sundance earlier this year. And I admit, I had my doubts, especially because it centers around the incredibly expensive and invasive fertility industry. I don’t knock anyone seeking fertility treatments per se, but I do think these treatments are generally only available to the nouveau riche class, or by bankrupting working class couples before the real expenses of pregnancy, childbirth, and child rearing even begin. And honestly, given Likely Story’s earlier privileged dramedy, “The Land of Steady Habits”, also released on Netflix. I was worried that “Private Life” would be the equivalent of a yacht-buying or monocle comparison dramedy. But unlike “The Land of Steady Habits”, this film felt self-aware and honest on nearly every level.
Tamara Jenkins takes the fertility treatment process and wraps a family story and middle-aged relationship drama around it. Rachel and Richard’s numerous options and attempts are given to us rapid fire at the start, to get us caught up on what has clearly already been a long journey. Both Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti do a great job defining their characters as they react to each success or failure. The film then takes a left turn into investigating egg donors, where Jenkins introduces Richard’s brother’s family, including Sadie, and her lifelong affinity with Rachel and Richard. The film uses the weird near-incest situation to outline many perspectives on modern fertility, and as I learned more about Rachel and Richard, I realized it was also confronting their decisions to postpone having a child, and Sadie’s character works to address the generational views on fertility and where children fit into lives. Sadie’s mom Cynthia (Molly Shannon) and step-father Charlie (John Carroll Lynch) are also excellent supporting characters with great performances. The entire cast is truly amazing.
The film is also well put together, with some nice aesthetics during transitions, great shots that use visual cues to aid storytelling, and a complimenting soundtrack and score. I liked the titles at the beginning to outline the treatments, and I thought some scenes were incredibly well done, including an argument between Rachel and Richard about why they waited so long to have a child, a moving and honest scene between them after a failed treatment, and an incredible closing scene that is one of the best cinematic grace notes I’ve seen in a while, one that will once again shift your perspectives on both characters. It is great film-making and it doesn’t feel anywhere near its over two hour running time.
“Private Life” (2018) is an independent dramedy about fertility treatments, with an interesting script, an excellent cast, and incredible direction. The film avoids being another privileged dramedy through honest characters and realistic outcomes. Fans of independent dramas, or fans of any of the cast members, should definitely check out this film. It may not answer all the questions or explore all the perspectives, but it definitely tells an engaging story.
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Metacritic: 83 (MUST SEE)
One Movie Punch: 9.2/10
“Private Life” (2018) is rated R and is currently streaming on Netflix and in select theaters.
