A Private Life (2025)

A French crime mystery in which a celebrated psychiatrist turns private investigator after suspecting her patient was murdered.

A Private Life - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Vie privée
  • Release Year: 2025
  • Directed by: Rebecca Zlotowski
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Crime, Mystery
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 1h 47m
  • Original Language: French
  • Spoken Languages: French
  • Release Date (Theatrical): November 26, 2025 (France - TP), January 16, 2026 (United States - R), June 26, 2026 (United Kingdom - 15), April 16, 2026 (Germany), December 11, 2025 (Italy), December 19, 2025 (Spain)
  • Alternative Titles: Yksityinen elämä (FI), Paris Murder Mystery (DE), Vida privada (ES)
  • Production Companies: Les Films Velvet, France 3 Cinéma, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, Buenos Hair
  • Production Countries: France

A Private Life - Plot

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

A Private Life - Trailer

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A Private Life - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Rebecca Zlotowski

Main Cast

  • Jodie Foster
  • Daniel Auteuil
  • Virginie Efira
  • Mathieu Amalric
  • Vincent Lacoste
  • Luàna Bajrami
  • Noam Morgensztern
  • Sophie Guillemin
  • Frederick Wiseman
  • Aurore Clément

Writers

  • Anne Berest
  • Gaëlle Macé

Producers

  • Frédéric Jouve

A Private Life - FAQs

Is A Private Life based on a true story?

A Private Life is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional narrative written by Anne Berest and Gaëlle Macé, centering on a psychiatrist who suspects foul play in a patient's death. The film draws on psychological thriller conventions rather than real-life events.

Where can you watch A Private Life?

Streaming availability for A Private Life varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options — including subscription services, digital rental, and purchase — on JustWatch, which aggregates all available platforms in your area.

Who are the main actors in A Private Life?

A Private Life features a distinguished cast led by Jodie Foster as psychiatrist Lilian Steiner, alongside Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric, Vincent Lacoste, Luàna Bajrami, Noam Morgensztern, Sophie Guillemin, Frederick Wiseman, and Aurore Clément.

What is A Private Life about?

A Private Life follows renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner, who launches her own investigation after one of her patients dies under circumstances she believes are not accidental. Driven by suspicion and professional intuition, she navigates a world of paranoia and hidden secrets in this French crime mystery.

Why does Jodie Foster speak French in A Private Life?

Jodie Foster, who is fluent in French, performs her role as Lilian Steiner entirely in French. Foster studied at the Lycée Français de Los Angeles and has previously acted in French-language productions. Her casting reflects both her linguistic ability and the film's authentically French creative identity.

What is the age rating for A Private Life?

A Private Life is rated R in the United States, indicating the film contains content that may be unsuitable for viewers under 17 without parental guidance. In the United Kingdom, it carries a 15 certificate, and in France it received a TP (tous publics) classification upon its theatrical release.

Who directed A Private Life?

A Private Life was directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, the French filmmaker known for Grand Central, Planetarium, and An Easy Girl. Zlotowski co-developed the project with writers Anne Berest and Gaëlle Macé, marking her foray into the crime mystery genre with this psychologically charged thriller.

When was A Private Life released?

A Private Life premiered in France on November 26, 2025. It subsequently opened in Italy on December 11, 2025, in Spain on December 19, 2025, in the United States on January 16, 2026, in Germany on April 16, 2026, and in the United Kingdom on June 26, 2026.

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