Cannes Review: A Private Life Serves as a Swift, Keen Display for Jodie Foster.

      It was quite unexpected that renowned director Rebecca Zlotowski's latest film, starring Jodie Foster alongside a stellar French cast, was not included in the Cannes competition. While A Private Life may seem too subtle for Palme consideration, this upbeat comedic murder mystery provides a delightful showcase of the fantastic chemistry between iconic actors.

      Foster portrays Lilian, an American psychiatrist living in Paris, who discovers that her long-time patient Paula (Virginie Efira) has passed away. An aggressive incident involving Paula's husband Simon (Mathieu Amalric) at her wake, followed by a conversation with their daughter, raises suspicions that Paula did not, as it appears, take her own life by consuming all the medications Lilian prescribed. As Lilian becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her patient's death, she begins to seek answers through hypnosis-induced visions, which also have consequences on her troubled marriage to Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil) and her strained relationship with her son Julien (Vincent Lacoste).

      The screenplay by Zlotowski, Gaëlle Macé, and Anne Berest is packed with enough twists and turns to maintain a brisk pace. While various clues and red herrings—like a missing tape recording and the recent death of Paula's wealthy aunt—suggest a classic whodunit, it becomes clear that the crime aspect in A Private Life is secondary to Lilian's personal revelations throughout her journey. The writers crafted an intriguing subplot involving a hypnosis session where Lilian "recalls" a past life during the German occupation of France, where she and Paula were star-crossed lovers kept apart by Simon and Julien.

      This plot device operates on multiple levels: it introduces an element of supernatural intrigue to the film and offers a unique perspective on the characters. Although the vision may not significantly aid in solving the mystery, it is crucial for unveiling suppressed truths about Lilian's relationships, allowing for a deeper understanding of her character. As someone who listens to others' deepest anxieties for a living, Lilian believes she has a grasp on her own issues. However, why is she so deeply affected by one patient’s death? Why does she struggle to express love for her own child? Through this playful exploration of the paranormal, A Private Life implies that, no matter how well we think we understand someone or ourselves, certain aspects of any individual will always remain private and inaccessible.

      Zlotowski's direction is notably vibrant, telling this story with an infectious energy that rarely wanes. The comedic elements of this tonal blend stand out for their effectiveness. Memorable moments include Lilian's interactions with the patient who introduces her to the hypnotist and a family dinner scene where she attempts to make sense of her troubles through insights gained from a past life as a concert cellist. The hypnosis scene is stylishly executed, showcasing Zlotowski’s versatility, as humorous office banter transitions into the unsettling exploration of the subconscious. The mystery at the heart of A Private Life is relatively minor: after Lilian’s somewhat superficial investigative efforts, the truth is revealed too conveniently at the end, making the question of Paula's murderer nearly an afterthought.

      The cast delivers strong and engaging performances. It’s refreshing to see Foster in a role that combines her trademark intensity with comedic flair. A recurring joke has Lilian inexplicably tearing up, and while Foster is certainly adept at emoting, it is the way she highlights the absurdity of the situation that makes these moments shine. Portraying a divorced couple reconnecting through the unexpected tragedy, she and Auteuil engage in sharp-tongued exchanges, bringing a delightful dynamic between two masters of their craft.

      With its rich color palette by DP George Lechaptois and an energetic soundtrack from Robin Coudert, A Private Life is consistently engaging. If it ultimately feels somewhat insubstantial, lacking a creative resolution, there is enough entertainment to sustain interest for its brisk 100-minute runtime.

      A Private Life premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.