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A Private Life

Play trailer 1:47 Poster for A Private Life R In Theaters Jan 16 1h 45m Crime Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 49 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
When renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner learns of the death of one of her patients she is deeply troubled. Convinced that it was murder, she decides to investigate....
Coming Soon In Theaters Jan 16 Reserve Tickets
A Private Life

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A Private Life mixes Hitchcockian suspense, glossy aesthetics, and a playful streak of camp into an entertaining if somewhat slight mystery that's held together by Jodie Foster's captivating presence.

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Cast & Crew

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Rebecca Zlotowski

Director

Jodie Foster

Lilian Steiner

Daniel Auteuil

Gabriel Haddad

Virginie Efira

Paula Cohen-Solal

Mathieu Amalric

Simon Cohen-Solal

Vincent Lacoste

Julien Haddad-Park

Critics Reviews

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Lindsey Bahr Associated Press 7h
3/4
Anchoring it all is Foster, using the full force of her star power and impeccable French to make A Private Life, unwieldy and complex as it is, go down as easy as a glass of gamay. Go to Full Review Tim Grierson AV Club 2d
B-
It’s an unwieldy mix, but Foster’s quiet, observant character forms its strong center. She keeps you wondering what Lilian is thinking when she’s not talking. Go to Full Review Ben Croll TheWrap Dec 31
Though certain tonal leaps don’t always land, the film still offers plenty of fun, especially when centering around two exes more interested in each other than the case at hand. Go to Full Review Joseph Robinson Fish Jelly Films (YouTube) 16h
3.5/5
Jodie Foster shines in A Private Life, a deceptively gripping character study masquerading as a thriller. Go to Full Review Marissa Hill Shade Studios 22h
Foster is magnetic here, speaking fluent French throughout in her first major French-language lead role. She slips seamlessly into this world of Parisian bourgeoisie. Go to Full Review Steve Erickson Gay City News 2d
Ultimately, its balance falls in the right place, but as a thriller, it barely functions. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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A Private Life

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A Private Life

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Movie Info

Synopsis When renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner learns of the death of one of her patients she is deeply troubled. Convinced that it was murder, she decides to investigate....
Director
Rebecca Zlotowski
Producer
Frédéric Jouve
Screenwriter
Rebecca Zlotowski, Anne Berest, Gaëlle Macé
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Les Films Velvet, France 3 Cinéma
Rating
R (Language|Graphic Nudity|Brief Violence|Some Sexual Content)
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
French
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 16, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 45m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)