A Private Life
Murder mystery or psychological drama?
25 Mar 2026 
Russ Matthews Jodie Foster has enjoyed a career spanning decades, encompassing acting, writing, and directing, along with two Academy Award wins. There is little she has not accomplished in the industry, and she continues to demonstrate a willingness to embrace new challenges. This is evident in her latest role—a French murder mystery that has once again drawn awards attention.
Foster takes on the frigid and calculating role of Dr Lilian Steiner, a Jewish-American psychiatrist practising in France. A successful professional, Lilian finds herself facing growing resistance from her patients, culminating in the apparent suicide of one of her favourites. Paula (Virginie Efira) showed no signs of suicidal intent, and her family holds Lilian responsible for her death. This accusation compels the doctor to begin her own investigation, increasingly convinced that Paula was murdered. With the help of her ex-husband Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil), Lilian employs a series of unconventional methods in search of answers—methods that may not only uncover the truth but also reopen the possibility of reconciliation within their own fractured relationship.
From the outset, it becomes clear that Dr Lilian Steiner has carved out a place for herself in French society while never fully belonging to it. Foster portrays her as an observer—someone who watches life unfold rather than actively participating in it. Yet, Paula’s death strikes a deeper chord, forcing Lilian to confront emotions she has long kept at bay. As the narrative unfolds, what begins as a murder mystery gradually transforms into a psychological drama, with moments of subtle humour woven throughout.
Viewers must decide whether they are willing to sit within the discomfort this story presents and follow its twists—whether or not they ultimately lead to satisfying answers. Foster and Auteuil share an unexpected and compelling chemistry that helps offset some of the screenplay’s weaker elements, particularly the reliance on hypnosis as a plot device. Together, they ground a story that occasionally threatens to unravel, yet ultimately rises to deliver a conclusion that justifies the journey. At its core, this is a character study of a woman forced to step out from behind the safety of observation and begin engaging with the life she has long kept at a distance.
REEL DIALOGUE: Are we alone on this journey called life?
Dr Lilian Steiner has constructed a world in which she is constantly surrounded by people, yet emotionally distant from all of them. This separation may serve as a defence mechanism—an attempt to maintain stability while working closely with those in distress. However, it has also led to a profound sense of isolation, affecting not only her professional life but also her personal relationships, including her family.
Isolation is not always about physical distance; more often, it is a state of mind. While we may seek connection through relationships or even technology, these avenues can sometimes fall short of providing lasting fulfilment.
This raises a deeper question: are we truly alone?
The Bible offers a different perspective—one that reminds us that God is always present. The invitation is simply to turn and acknowledge Him. In both moments of joy and seasons of loneliness, God offers a relationship unlike any other.
Where do you begin? One place to start is with Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” From there, you may choose to explore the life and teachings of Jesus more fully.
You may discover that you were never truly alone—and never need to be again.
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