When I saw that Jodie Foster was in A Private Life, I really wanted to see it. She is an excellent actress and I was intrigued by the film being set in France. When I watched it, I found it evocative and thoughtful, suspenseful and Jodie Foster’s character was incredibly compelling.
A Private Life is a French black comedy mystery thriller directed and co-written by Rebecca Zlotowski. In the movie, a renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner (Jodie Foster) learns that her patient Paula (Virginie Efira) has died from her daughter Valerie (Luana Bajrami). Paula’s husband Simon (Mathieu Amalric)blames Lilian. But Lilian becomes convinced that she was murdered and with the help of her ex-husband, Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil), she mounts her own investigation. When her office is broken into and her car damaged, she is convinced she is on the right path but will she find the truth? And will she listen when she does? Or will she create chaos in her personal life and in the life of her son, Julien (Vincent Lacoste).
What makes A Private Life so evocative and thoughtful is the simplicity of the storyline and the directing. When Lilian first finds out Paula has died, the expressions give much away as she reflects on her sessions with the woman. When she finds out Simon blames her, she seeks out a hypnotist but this only leads to odd memories of a previous life with Paula and makes her even more determined to find out the truth. The steps she takes and the way the film ramps up both the suspense but also the comedic moments highlights the charm of the film. The story is aided by the relationships surrounding Lilian, her ex-husband and her son, especially as we see how much an impact her past has on her and her willingness to listen to others.
Even though most of the film is in French, requiring subtitles for an English speaking audience, it does not deflect the skill and charm that Jodie Foster brings to the role. She is charismatic, compelling and dynamic as Lilian. The chemistry between her and Daniel Auteuil who plays Gabriel is believable, especially the friendship. Jodie Foster also does an incredible job portraying the obsessive qualities Lilian has towards her patient Paula and a stubborn desire to learn the truth. What is most stunning are the subtle changes to the character that Jodie Foster conveys at the end of the film versus the beginning. Daniel Auteuil is charming, funny, and full of wit as Gabriel. He is fun to watch and brings a lightness to the film. Mathieu Amalric as Simon and Luana Bajrami as his daughter Valerie bring passion and convey grief as Paula’s loved ones. Their performances, in particular Mathieu Amalric, is pivotal to the film’s success. 
What does slow down my enjoyment of the film is the slowness of the first act, as we get to know Lilian and find out about Paula. It takes time to learn what is going on and details are set up that are critical in the last act of the film, so while the pacing seems slow, it quickens in the second and third acts of the movie. There is also one scene between Lilian and Gabriel that is not necessary for the plot. While it demonstrates their desire for each other, that was shown in multiple alternate ways that furthered the story better. Overall, the mystery of what happened to Paula, the drama between Lilian and her family, and the suspense are enough to make this movie engaging and compelling.
If you like mysteries, suspense or Jodie Foster, I do recommend A Private Life. It is quirky, full of drama, and has some evocative and thoughtful moments, especially at the end of the movie. Jodie Foster is compelling and engaging as Lilian and Daniel Auteuil is a beautiful, charming counter to her character, adding charm and wit to the role. The story unfolds slowly but the pacing adds suspense and keeps you guessing as to Paula’s death until the very end. It is both a great mystery and a fantastic drama.
Rating: 4 out of 5 tapes.
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