The question of conceiving a child is one of the most intimate and, at the same time, universal themes in art. However, contemporary cinema is increasingly moving away from romanticised clichés, turning instead to the complex—and at times painful—subject of reproductive medicine. Tamara Jenkins’ film ‘Private Life’ (2018) has become a benchmark in depicting the experiences of couples facing infertility who have chosen the path of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Plot and context
At the heart of the narrative are Richard and Rachel, a couple of intellectuals from New York, both in their forties. They have established careers and love each other, but their lives have turned into an endless cycle of medical procedures. The film begins not with romance, but with a shot of Richard giving Rachel yet another hormone injection. This sets the tone for the entire film: here, medicine is not a miracle, but a routine requiring enormous emotional and financial investment.
Medical accuracy and ethics
‘Private Life’ is notable for its attention to detail. The viewer sees every stage:
- IVF (in vitro fertilisation): the film shows not only the medical procedures but also the psychological anticipation of the results, which is akin to a game of chance where the stakes are far too high.
- IVF with egg donation: the film boldly raises ethical questions. When the protagonists’ own attempts fail, they turn to a young relative with a request to become a donor. This creates complex dynamics within the family, raising questions about what is more important – the genetic link or the very right to be a parent.
- Adoption: the film honestly shows that even this path is not a ‘simple fallback option’, as the protagonists are confronted with bureaucracy and social inequality.
Psychological portrait
The film’s main achievement is its portrayal of the ‘trauma of infertility’. Reproductive medicine is depicted here not only as a salvation, but also as a test for relationships. The characters go through:
- Depersonalisation: when a woman’s body becomes an object for medical experiments.
- Social pressure: the bitterness of watching friends and acquaintances have children with ease.
- Financial stress: healthcare in the US (where the film is set) is an expensive business, and every setback brings not only a broken heart but also an empty bank account.
Why is this important for the viewer?
Films like *Private Life* fulfil an important social function. They destigmatise the topic of infertility, lifting the veil of shame from it. Reproductive medicine in cinema ceases to be a plot device from science fiction (as in *Gattaca*) and becomes part of the reality for millions of people.
Instead of a ‘happy ending’ in the conventional sense, the film offers something more valuable – acceptance of reality and the preservation of human dignity in a situation you cannot fully control.
FAQ: Reproductive medicine in film
1. What other films realistically depict IVF and fertility issues? As well as ‘Private Life’, it is worth noting the film ‘Maybe Baby’ (2000) – a British comedy which, despite its genre, quite accurately captures the stress experienced by the couple. The subject is also touched upon indirectly in the drama ‘The Kids Are All Right’ (2010), which explores the life of a family many years after using donor sperm.
2. How accurately are medical procedures portrayed in films? ‘Private Life’ is considered one of the most accurate films. Director Tamara Jenkins went through many of the procedures described herself, so the details (from the type of syringes to the specific medical jargon) are conveyed as accurately as possible.
3. Is it suitable for those currently undergoing fertility treatment to watch such films? It depends on the individual’s circumstances. On the one hand, the film may be triggering, as it conveys pain and disappointment very accurately. On the other hand, it offers a sense of connection (‘I’m not alone in this’) and the realisation that the feelings the couple are experiencing are normal.
4. Is ‘Private Life’ a documentary? No, it is a feature film, but it is shot in a ‘slice-of-life’ style, which creates a sense of presence and documentary authenticity.
5. What is the film’s main message regarding medicine? The film conveys the idea that medicine provides the tools, but does not guarantee the outcome. The protagonists’ greatest triumph lies not in successful conception, but in the fact that they managed to remain human and maintain their closeness, despite the gruelling marathon of procedures.
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