Dr. Lilian Steiner (Jodie Foster) spends her days listening to her patients’ problems in A Private Life. With her success as a psychiatrist comes a full patient load. Unfortunately her zeal for her work may not be what it once was. That being said, she still cares for her patients and their well-being. Which is why Paula (Virginie Efira) missing several sessions isn’t sitting right.
Eventually, Lilian hears from Valérie (Luàna Bajrami), Paula’s daughter, and finds out that Paula took her own life. Almost immediately, Lilian has her doubts. Paula did not seem the type, nor was she showing any suicidal tendencies. Before long, Lilian has roped her ex-husband Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil) into helping her find out what really happened to Paula. Of course, any amateur detective knows you have to start with the significant other. In this case, Simon (Mathieu Amalric), who happens to blame Lilian for Paula’s death.
Rebecca Zlotowski directed the film as well as co-wrote it alongside Anne Berest. The two collaborated with Gaëlle Macé on the screenplay. Serving in a dual capacity is nothing new to Zlotowski, having done so for several of her past projects. Zlotowski & co succeed in setting up the perfect atmosphere for a moody film noir. There is no shortage of unique artistic shots, targeted lighting, and flashbacks galore. A Private Life features a bit of mysticism that requires some suspension of disbelief. Zlotowski manages to walk that fine line between believable and absurd, but may turn off some viewers.
Foster impresses, as usual, but seeing her act in French adds a whole new level of admiration for her talents. Her chemistry with Auteuil jumps off the screen. All the cast turn in strong performances, but the lead duo stands out. A Private Life is heavily driven by dialogue. The script drags at some points and does feature some head-scratching moments. While the film may falter down the stretch, the visuals coupled with strong performances, make it worth a watch.
A Private Life opens on January 23rd.
