A PRIVATE LIFE (2026) with Jodie Foster, Feb 20-22 at The Park Theatre

A PRIVATE LIFE (2026) with Jodie Foster, Feb 20-22

Tickets $10/$9 – In French with English subtitles. 107mins. Rated R.

February 20 at 6:30pm, 21 at 2pm and 6:30pm, 22 at 6:30pm.

6 Film Festival Nominations.

In the captivating new film A PRIVATE LIFE (original French title: *Vie privée*), Jodie Foster delivers a riveting performance as Lilian Steiner, an American psychiatrist living in Paris whose orderly world unravels following the suspicious death of one of her patients. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, this 2025 black comedy mystery thriller blends elements of film noir with psychological intrigue, as Lilian becomes convinced the death was a murder rather than suicide and launches her own amateur investigation. Amidst her personal struggles—including family tensions and professional doubts—the story explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and paranoia, all set against the elegant backdrop of Parisian life. Released in France in November 2025 and hitting North American theaters in January 2026 after a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has been lauded for its twisty plot and stylish aesthetics, drawing comparisons to Hitchcockian suspense.

Foster’s first major French-language role showcases her linguistic fluency and emotional depth, cursing in English while navigating complex dialogues in French, supported by a stellar ensemble including Daniel Auteuil as her ex-husband, Virginie Efira as the deceased patient seen in flashbacks, and Mathieu Amalric in a key supporting role. Zlotowski’s direction infuses the narrative with a playful campiness and feminine perspective on psychoanalysis, making A PRIVATE LIFE* not just a whodunit but a nuanced character study of a woman’s inner turmoil. Critics have praised Foster’s “kinetic” and “entrancing” portrayal, noting how it anchors the film’s sleek yet slippery thriller elements, though some describe it as entertainingly slight. With a runtime of about 107 minutes and a box office haul of $7 million so far, this genre-mashing tale offers a fresh take on familiar tropes, appealing to fans of intelligent, character-driven mysteries.