#REVIEW: “A PRIVATE LIFE”

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Legendary Jodie Foster plays a psychiatrist turned sleuth in Rebecca Zlotowski’s latest.

Renowned American psychiatrist, Lilian Steiner (Foster), has her life turned upside down when her longtime patient Paula (Virginie Efira) takes her own life. Thus, leaving Lilian to question if she missed any red flags. But after a series of strange occurrences, Lilian begins to think Paula’s death was murder, not suicide. Since the authorities aren’t taking her seriously, she investigates her patient’s death herself.

This Film is a quirky psychological thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously. For example, it opens with The Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer”. Therefore, telling the audience that this isn’t your typical detective thriller. However, Zlotowski does keep her Film level-headed when it needs to be. After all, Paula may have committed suicide. These serious moments are handled with care, even if Paula’s storyline is only used as a tool to tell Lillian’s. It becomes an afterthought as we follow our polished psychiatrist.

A Private Life is really a character study of Lillian. It’s focused on getting inside the brain of a psychiatrist. Who are the people we tell our thoughts to? When Lillian first suspects Paula may have been murdered, she sees a hypnotist. Something she’s never believed in before. This event gets Lillian to decide to become an amateur sleuth, while allowing audiences a peek into her psyche.

The Film is strongest during the quirky investigation. Lillian becomes a borderline stalker of her prime suspect. Foster, speaking in fluent French, is brilliant as the classy doctor who’s starting to unravel. It’s during her investigation that she reunites with her ex-husband, Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil). The moments shared between them are sweet and allow for fun scenes that lean into the Film’s unique tone. We only wish there were a bit more of them.

A Private Life is a unique, playful caper that may not work for everyone; however, we remain invested because Foster is at the helm.

Mongrel Media release A PRIVATE LIFE on Friday, January 23, 2025.