Amid the frantic pursuit of social acceptance and the illusion of controlling others’ lives, a Turkish romantic comedy unfolds — not as mere entertainment, but as a mirror reflecting the insecurities that permeate the daily lives of many women. “Private Lesson”, directed by Kivanç Baruönü, begins with an apparently trivial premise — the makeover of an awkward young woman under the guidance of a successful coach — to explore the subtle boundaries between authenticity and performance. Azra, played by Bensu Soral, dominates social spaces with her advice on behavior and image, turning her clients into products of an ideal she herself struggles to maintain. Hande, portrayed by Helin Kandemir, embodies the fragility exposed when trying to fit into artificial molds, believing only then she can win over the desired Utku.
But as this game of appearances unfolds, the film exposes the dangers of submitting to the whims of others. The narrative, though laced with comedic situations and moments of lightness, hints at a growing discomfort: Hande’s physical transformation reveals not her liberation, but her vulnerability in an environment that values image over essence. Utku is no prince, and his behavior exposes the emptiness of a desire fed by misguided expectations. In this chaos of errors, Azra is drawn in not just by a sense of responsibility, but by her own inner crisis, realizing that the control she exercises over others doesn’t apply to the turmoil of her own heart, especially when she encounters Burak, a neighbor who escapes her predictable schemes.
Beneath the veil of a romantic comedy, the film challenges the viewer with cultural issues that resonate beyond Turkey’s borders. Dialogues laced with subtle machismo may sound anachronistic to some, but reveal more about the social context of origin than about the film itself. The availability of such narratives on global platforms highlights the role of cinema as a bridge between worlds, where cultural differences are not barriers, but opportunities for understanding. This exchange, far from superficial, prompts a necessary reflection on how values and stereotypes are expressed in each society, challenging our own paradigms.
More than a parade of stylish outfits or predictable romantic situations, “Private Lesson” teaches through contrast: it exposes the anxiety to please, the anguish of not being enough, and the urgent need to break free from these invisible prisons. In a society where external validation seems to dictate self-esteem, the film suggests liberation through self-acceptance, through embracing imperfection and letting go of unattainable standards. Amid the emotional turmoil of its protagonists, there’s also a delicate affirmation of female solidarity, which manifests as a silent pact in a world still dominated by male structures.
This is not, therefore, a “silly” and carefree tale, but a narrative that, even under a light surface, clearly signals the urgency of reinventing oneself beyond imposed shadows. The comedy here is merely the surface — the subtext is where true reflection begins.
Film: Private Lesson
Director: Kivanç Baruönü
Year: 2022
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 6/10