A Private Life
When renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner learns of the sudden death of a patient, she suspects murder. She mounts a private investigation, enlisting an odd assortment of quirky characters.
Critics Sentiment
Lilian reconciles with family and rebuilds her practice
Lilian discovers Paula murdered Pearl then committed suicide
The film drops significantly when the mystery's banal resolution disappoints viewers who expected something more substantial after the promising setup.
The film starts with moderate appeal thanks to Foster's magnetic performance and intriguing mystery setup, but loses momentum through confusing hypnosis sequences and excessive dialogue. Critics consistently praised Foster's French-language performance and her chemistry with Auteuil, but were ultimately disappointed by the anticlimactic resolution that failed to deliver on the mystery's early promise. The sweet ending provides some redemption, though not enough to overcome the narrative's fundamental weaknesses.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 34
Jodie Foster
Lilian Steiner
Daniel Auteuil
Gabriel Haddad
Virginie Efira
Paula Cohen-Solal
Mathieu Amalric
Simon Cohen-Solal
Vincent Lacoste
Julien Haddad-Park
Luàna Bajrami
Valérie Cohen-Solal
Noam Morgensztern
Pierre Hallant, smoking patient
Sophie Guillemin
Jessica Grangé, hypnotist
Frederick Wiseman
Dr. Goldstein
Aurore Clément
Perle Friedman
Irène Jacob
Vera
Park Ji-min
Vanessa Park
Jean Chevalier
Cameron
Emma Ravier
Paula (20 years)
Scott Agnesi Delapierre
The neighbor
Lucas Bleger
Jacky Tiffou, vigil man
Jérôme Lenôtre
Man on the bus
Marlise Bété
Infirmière en cheffe
Marin Judas
Officier de police
Abdoul Bamba
Officier de police
Crew
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