Film Review – A Private Life (2025)

      A Private Life, 2025.

      Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski.

      Starring Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric, Vincent Lacoste, Luàna Bajrami, Noam Morgensztern, Sophie Guillemin, Frederick Wiseman, Aurore Clément, Irène Jacob, Park Ji-Min, Jean Chevalier, Emma Ravier, Scott Agnesi Delapierre, and Lucas Bleger.

      SYNOPSIS:

      The esteemed psychiatrist Lilian Steiner initiates a personal investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she suspects has been murdered.

      It’s important to point out that Lilian Steiner, the so-called esteemed psychiatrist, is French, which means that Jodie Foster speaks French for most of co-writer/director Rebecca Zlotowski’s mystery, A Private Life. Her accent and command of the language are commendable, making this a compelling reason to watch the film. Additionally, it should be noted that Lilian is not exactly a psychiatrist who is fully engaged with her patients; in fact, she often appears disinterested in them, which might explain why she creates a puzzle to solve from her recordings after her patient, Paula Cohen-Solal (Virginie Efira), is found dead.

      One of Lilian’s other patients arrives in a combative mood, insisting on ending their sessions because he claims to have discovered a hypnotist who can cure his smoking habit in a short time. This intrigues her and leads her to visit that same hypnotist, where, despite her condescending attitude towards the entire idea, she finds herself entranced, potentially uncovering clues to identify the murderer. Consequently, the film explores Lilian’s introspection regarding her purpose and practices in her profession, alongside its intricate, twisty mystery aspect.

      Having divorced her husband, Lilian becomes involved with Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil), who unwittingly draws her into his misadventures, leading to conversations about their unsuccessful romantic history. Lilian also maintains a strained relationship with her adult son, Julian (Vincent Lacoste), who is now a parent. There’s a recurring joke that whenever she visits, the baby awakens and cries incessantly. Her personal life is filled with chaos, and her professional life lacks excitement, driving her deeper into a mystery that may exist only in her mind.

      Without revealing too much, it's evident that there wouldn’t be a film if there weren’t something to unravel. Naturally, A Private Life presents a host of suspects that emerge from the recordings Lilian listens to, as she looks for any indication leading her in the right direction. It becomes clear that Paula also lived in a dysfunctional family situation, and more worryingly, it could point to a suicide potentially facilitated by Lilian herself, who once mistakenly prescribed an incorrect dosage of medication. The way some recordings are filmed and displayed in a dreamy, hypnotic flashback style, featuring close-ups of Paula reclining on the couch, also raises the question of a psychosexual element at play.

      It should come as no surprise that A Private Life (co-written by Anne Berest in partnership with Gaëlle Macé) also embraces a certain silliness while exploring every possible suspect. Even if there are clear solutions, the narrative focuses less on the events themselves and more on the appropriate current ways to conduct therapy, though the film's message ultimately feels somewhat unconvincing. Admittedly, the hypnotism element is absurd and tests believability. However, this doesn’t detract from the fact that the film remains an enjoyable mystery featuring strong character development and an engaging, nuanced performance from Jodie Foster.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder

      Originally published December 6, 2025. Updated December 7, 2025.