Synopsis

Dr. Lilian Steiner, an American psychoanalyst in Paris, is devastated to learn that her client Paula has taken her own life. Or has she? Visits from Paula’s furious widower, Simon, and taciturn daughter Valérie, along with the discovery that files have been stolen from Lilian’s office, suggest that Paula may have fallen victim to foul play. Assisted by her ex-husband Gabriel, Lilian undertakes some amateur sleuthing. Her initial investigations prompt more questions than answers until a session with a hypnotherapist causes Lilian to wonder whether her relationship with Paula began in a previous incarnation

Critics Views

“This up-tempo comedic murder mystery is a breezy, fun means of showcasing delicious chemistry between legendary actors.” The Film Stage

“Caught between sophisticated comedy and silly fluff, between Hitchcockian mystery and zany amateur sleuth caper, A Private Life (Vie Privée) is a lot more fun than it probably deserves to be thanks to the disarming chemistry of its seasoned leads, Jodie Foster and Daniel Auteuil.” The Hollywood Reporter

“Rebecca Zlotowski’s latest… is part noir, part comedy of remarriage, and part Freudian fever dream about past lives.” The Associated Press

“A Private Life does manage to create an interesting dynamic as it posits the need to balance psychology’s theoretics with actual results and action.” Indiewire
“The writer-director Rebecca Zlotowski has crafted a deeply thoughtful film. The material is quality and Jodie Foster outstanding” The Times

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 67%  Audience 59%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 82%   Audience Liked It 64%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 66%

Audience Comments

Very amusing yet thought-provoking
Thoroughly enjoyed the visit to France this evening. JF was impressive in a complex role that explored ( sometimes somewhat unbelievably) many facets of her personality and life. Not perfect but a French film to savour.
Impressive French-speaking Jody Foster performance in a strange film that was a mixture of crime thriller, humour and surreal. Some unbelievable coincidences, but an otherwise engaging film
Overlong and difficult to see what ultimately the film was about. But well acted and, at times, amusing.
Sooooo French!
Not easy to understand with the subtitles! And I had two BIG heads in front of us
Held my attention but a bit bizarre.
Typical French film seen through passion, intrigue, wine and cigarettes. Went round in a fascinating circle! Enjoyed it.
Another convoluted French film
Found the plot hard to follow, especially as there were so many different realities
Lovely to see Jodie Foster speaking what sounded like good French, but she can’t have been a very good psychiatrist if she couldn’t se how mad her initial decisions were!
Well made technically, but truly awful subject
Strong central performances in a confused film. Too many ideas not sufficiently explored, so ultimately unsatisfying. Good soundtrack.
Does France have continuous thunderstorms?!
Thought-provoking, suspenseful and charming.
Climbing too many curved stairs. Dialogues came from many angles and didn’t always immediately join together.