A Private Life

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Last November, I found myself wandering the enchanting streets of Paris, swept up in the city’s charm and energy. Everywhere I turned — at metro stations, along grand boulevards, in the windows of cafés — I saw striking posters for a film called A Private Life. The film was playing in theaters all over town, and the name Jodie Foster stood out in bold letters, promising something extraordinary. I was instantly intrigued.

But, as often happens with travel, my schedule was packed to the brim. Between exploring museums, sightseeing, and soaking in all that Paris had to offer, I didn’t have the time to see the film everyone was talking about. I remember lingering by one of the posters near the Seine, wishing I could press pause on my trip and spend a couple of hours in a dark theater, swept up in this Parisian mystery. When I left Paris, the film stayed with me — as a missed opportunity and a lingering curiosity.

Months passed, and my anticipation only grew. I read about A Private Life’s triumphant premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 10-minute standing ovation and garnered glowing reviews. Still, I waited patiently for the film to arrive in the States. Today, that wait ended — and let me tell you, it was worth every second.

From the moment Jodie Foster appears onscreen as Dr. Lilian Steiner, I was completely engrossed. Foster, already an icon, delivers a performance that is nothing short of revelatory. As a Jewish-American psychiatrist living in Paris, she’s magnetic — her every gesture, every line, brimming with quiet intensity and emotional depth. Her French is flawless, adding a layer of authenticity and allure to her character. Watching Foster speak the language so naturally is a treat in itself. If only I’d had the chance to see her inhabit this role while actually in Paris!

The story itself is as intricate as the city’s winding streets. Dr. Steiner is drawn into a web of suspicion and grief after the sudden, mysterious death of one of her patients. What unfolds is a masterfully layered mystery, full of secrets, shifting loyalties, and even surreal visions during hypnotic therapy sessions. There were moments I found myself piecing together the puzzle, but the film’s conclusion is wholly satisfying — a testament to both the screenplay and Rebecca Zlotowski’s deft direction.

The supporting cast is equally outstanding. Daniel Auteuil, as Steiner’s ex-husband Gabriel, brings warmth and humor to the story, grounding the film with genuine chemistry. Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric, and Luàna Bajrami each add depth and intrigue, creating a tapestry of richly drawn characters. The city of Paris becomes a character — its rain-soaked avenues and spiral staircases beautifully captured by George Lechaptois’ cinematography, especially in the film’s haunting dream sequences.

Watching A Private Life, I was transported back to Paris, reminded of why I fell in love with foreign films in the first place. The French dialogue, accompanied by subtitles, never felt like a barrier. Instead, it drew me in closer, allowing me to savor every nuance of Foster’s remarkable performance.

Reflecting on my missed chance to see the film in Paris, I realize it only heightened my appreciation when I finally did. The anticipation, the longing, the sense of discovery — all of it made the experience that much richer.

A Private Life is a film that stays with you. It’s a testament to the power of cinema — to move, to challenge, and to transport us across languages, cultures, and even continents. If you love mysteries, powerful performances, or simply want to be reminded of why movies matter, don’t miss this one. Jodie Foster, you were extraordinary. Bravo!

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle, where he lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.