Jodie Foster Shines in Thriller 'A Private Life'

The actress plays an American psychiatrist living in Paris who teams up with her ex-husband to investigate a patient's suspicious death.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:31am

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In 'A Private Life,' Jodie Foster stars as Lilian Steiner, an American psychiatrist living in Paris. After one of her patients dies by suicide, Lilian teams up with her ex-husband to investigate what she believes is a murder. The role allows Foster to showcase her talents, as Lilian is a complex character - cold and aloof, yet deeply rattled by her failure to foresee her patient's death. The film blends elements of a character study and a thriller as Lilian and her ex-husband uncover a potential inheritance plot.

Why it matters

The film provides a meaty, nuanced role for Jodie Foster, allowing her to demonstrate her range as an actress. It also explores themes of identity, belonging, and the limits of professional expertise. Set in Paris, the film offers a unique perspective on the experience of an American expatriate struggling to feel at home.

The details

In 'A Private Life,' Foster plays Lilian Steiner, an American psychiatrist living in Paris for decades. After one of her patients dies by suicide, the seemingly cold and aloof Lilian teams up with her charming ex-husband (Daniel Auteuil) to investigate what she believes is a murder. As they uncover a potential inheritance plot, the two former spouses rekindle their chemistry. The film blends elements of a character study and a thriller, as Lilian grapples with the failure of her professional expertise and her own sense of displacement in Paris.

  • Lilian's patient dies by suicide.
  • Lilian teams up with her ex-husband to investigate the death.

The players

Lilian Steiner

An American psychiatrist living in Paris for decades, played by Jodie Foster. The role allows Foster to showcase her range as she portrays Lilian's complex mix of coldness and vulnerability.

Lilian's ex-husband

Lilian's charming ex-husband, played by Daniel Auteuil. The two former spouses rekindle their chemistry as they investigate the suspicious death of Lilian's patient.

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What they’re saying

“Lilian is obstinate, frazzled and, in the end, quite appealingly vulnerable. She spends most of the picture waiting for other people to finish talking so she can fire off a smart rejoinder. But we notice something different about her in the film's final scenes. She's listening.”

— Sean Burns, Film Critic (wbur.org)

What’s next

The film is now in theaters, and audiences can expect a nuanced performance from Jodie Foster as she navigates the complexities of her character's personal and professional life.

The takeaway

With 'A Private Life,' Jodie Foster delivers a standout performance that showcases her range as an actress. The film blends a character study with thriller elements, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the limits of expertise in a unique Parisian setting.