This modern, cross-cultural spin on Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969) centers around a German-American housewife (Martina Gedeck) who gradually becomes enamored with her neighbor, David (John Corbett), leaving her two children and husband Bob (Vyto Ruginis) in the lurch. Luckily for her, David's wife Ellen (Margaret Colin) has designs on Bob. Private Lies was directed by Sherry Hormann, whose previous works have also explored the cultural differences between Germany (Hormann's country of residence) and the U.S. (her place of birth). Gedeck has long been a popular TV and film actress in her native Germany.
~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide