- Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira
- March 6th 2026
- Rebecca Zlotowski
Jodie Foster plays a renowned American psychiatrist living in Paris who becomes obsessed with the death of one of her patients.
In A Private Life, Jodie Foster proves that her talents know no bounds. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, she commits to a role entirely in French!
In her first French-speaking lead role, the Oscar-winning actress plays Dr. Lilian Steiner, a renowned American psychiatrist living in Paris.
When she learns of the death of one of her patients, Paula (Virginie Efira), Lilian becomes convinced Paula was murdered and embarks on her own investigation to see whether her husband Simon (Mathieu Amalric) or daughter Valerie (Luana Bajrami) are the culprits.
She becomes consumed by the case – to the detriment of her other patients and her own life – because she’s determined to prove that she played no part in Paula’s death, as Simon alleges.
Foster got the seal of approval from France’s equivalent of the Oscars – the Lumiere Awards – last year, becoming the first American to receive a Best Actress nomination.
It’s easy to see why – her performance is extraordinary, and she easily holds her own opposite native French speakers. Her French is flawless (to English ears!), and it does not hold her back from giving a nuanced performance as the complicated Lilian.
Rebecca Zlotowski’s film presents as a mystery thriller, but it’s more of a dramatic character study revolving around the mystery of Paula’s death.
That plot device simply gives Lilian the impetus to seek out her ex-husband, Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil). He agrees to help her solve the mystery, and they form a sweet detective duo, reappraising their marriage along the way. This dynamic is the beating heart of the film and Foster and Auteuil are wonderful together.
A Private Life is entertaining, funny and gripping, however, when you get to the resolution of the mystery, it all feels rather lightweight and underwhelming, like it needed more to tie the story up in a strong, satisfying way.
The central mystery may leave you wanting more, but there is no faulting the superb performances, particularly those from Foster and Auteuil.
In cinemas from Friday 26th June
By Hannah Wales
© Cover Media