A Private Life (Vie privée) is a 2025 French black comedy mystery film directed and co-written by Rebecca Zlotowski.
The film stars Jodie Foster in a groundbreaking role as Dr. Lilian Steiner, a revered American psychoanalyst living in Paris who finds herself haunted by the sudden death of her long-time patient, Paula.
Though the case is closed as a suicide, Lilian suspects foul play and begins her own private investigation. Her descent into the mystery leads her through a maze of hypnosis sessions, psychological unraveling, and strange confrontations with Paula’s enigmatic family.
As Lilian digs deeper, her own psychological stability and strained family relationships are brought to the forefront, particularly with her ex-husband and estranged son.
This noir-tinged psychological journey blends French arthouse aesthetics with classic mystery tropes and moments of unexpected dark humor.
A Private Life Age Rating
A Private Life is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, language, and brief violence. The R rating, assigned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), stands for “Restricted” and means that viewers under the age of 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian to watch the film in theaters.
While not a ban on younger viewers, the R rating signals that parental discretion is strongly advised, as the content may be disturbing or inappropriate for minors.
Sexual Content
- Multiple non-explicit sex scenes are implied between adult characters.
- One scene includes graphic nudity, showing full frontal nudity during a dreamlike hallucination sequence.
- Brief, non-sexual nudity is shown in a medical context during a hypnosis flashback.
- There are mature references to extramarital affairs and therapy discussions involving sexual trauma.
Violence
- A suicide is central to the plot, but is not shown on-screen; the aftermath is discussed and psychologically explored.
- One brief scene shows blood on a bathtub rim.
- There is one intense scene where a character slaps another in a moment of emotional distress.
- Flashbacks and hallucinations contain disturbing imagery and one sequence with symbolic self-harm imagery.
Language
- The film contains several uses of strong language, including the French equivalents of “f***,” “s***,” and “damn.”
- In English dialogue, terms like “bitch,” “bastard,” and “hell” are used sparingly.
- Some therapy sessions include emotionally charged swearing.
Substance Use
- Occasional scenes of wine drinking during social gatherings.
- A hypnosis session includes references to hallucinatory experiences, though no drug use is depicted.
- One character smokes cigarettes during sessions.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
- Psychological tension and emotional breakdowns are frequent.
- Hallucinations and dream sequences feature disorienting imagery and eerie music.
- The sense of dread builds steadily, especially during the climax, which might unsettle sensitive viewers.
Is A Private Life Appropriate for Teens?
Recommended Age: 17+
Teens under 17 may find the subject matter too mature, particularly due to the emotional intensity, nudity, and psychological themes.
The film deals with suicide, trauma, and unresolved familial tension in ways that may be more suitable for older, emotionally mature viewers. However, mature older teens with an interest in psychological thrillers and character-driven drama may find it intellectually engaging.
FAQ
Q: Is there a suicide scene in A Private Life?
A: No, the act itself is not shown, but the aftermath and impact on the main character are heavily explored.
Q: Does the film have any supernatural elements?
A: No, though hallucinations and dream sequences are used to represent psychological breakdowns.
Q: Is Jodie Foster’s performance in French throughout?
A: Yes, she speaks fluent French for the entirety of the film, marking her first full French-language lead role.
Q: Is the film connected to other Rebecca Zlotowski projects?
A: No, A Private Life is a standalone story but continues Zlotowski’s exploration of emotionally complex female protagonists.