Jodie Foster Shines in 'A Private Life': A Complex, Genre-Bending Thriller with a Light Touch
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In Rebecca Zlotowski's latest film, 'A Private Life,' Jodie Foster delivers a captivating performance as Dr. Lilian Steiner, a self-assured psychoanalyst whose composure unravels after a patient's unexpected death. This genre-bending French film, which hits theaters Friday, effortlessly blends elements of noir, comedy of remarriage, and Freudian drama, resulting in a wildly original and unpredictable ride. Foster's character, an American expat living and working in France, is a sophisticated and accomplished woman who records her private sessions with clients on meticulously organized CDs. However, when her client Paula dies by suicide, Lilian becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the death, convinced that it was murder rather than a tragic accident. As Lilian delves deeper into the mystery, she enlists the help of her ex-husband Gabriel, who is drawn into her wild conspiracy theories and becomes a source of comfort and support. Their rekindled relationship is a highlight of the film, and the chemistry between Foster and her co-star is undeniable. However, the rest of the film is more convoluted, involving a hypnotist, a revelation of a past life, and a Holocaust through-line. While some parts of the film work better than others, Foster's performance is consistently impressive, and she brings a sense of gravitas to the film's lighter moments. Ultimately, 'A Private Life' is a fascinating portrait of a woman who is forced to rethink her entire worldview and confront the possibility that some things may be unknowable. With a running time of 105 minutes and a rating of R for language, graphic nudity, brief violence, and some sexual content, this film is not to be missed. Rating: Three out of four stars.
