The renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner mounts a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she is convinced has been murdered.

Vie Privée is a predominantly French film from co-writer/director Rebecca Zlotowski featuring the American icon Jodie Foster showing off her fluency, while also reminding the audience why she’s a movie star in the first place. In the film she’s Lilian Steiner, a divorced psychiatrist, closet smoker, distant mother and, when one of her patients dies, amateur sleuth. Her patient never shared any suicidal ideation, so Lilian is convinced she was murdered, likely by someone in her family. She starts her own investigation, which is mostly just stalking, to uncover the truth.

The film isn’t an outright comedy, but it does have more laughs than expected. It also touches on the nature of therapy and the trope of therapists having trouble managing their own lives. Lilian’s ex-husband Gabriel (a delightful Daniel Auteuil) becomes her co-conspirator, aiding and abetting along the way.

A Private Life isn’t as dark as suggested, though it goes to some dark places, but it’s a great showcase for Foster. She gets to inhabit a somewhat difficult persona, making Lilian as engaging as she is frustrating, and balancing her obvious intelligence with some stupid choices, all while speaking in a second language. It’s the acting equivalent of a juggling act, and it elevates an otherwise decent movie.

Jonathan’s grade – B+