Oscar-Winner Jodie Foster Premieres French-Language ‘A Private Life’ at TIFF

Jodie Foster stars in the French-language psychological thriller "A Private Life," which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, marking her third French film. Inspired by her late mother’s encouragement to embrace French culture and language, Foster plays Lilian Steiner, an American psychoanalyst in Paris investigating the suspicious death of her patient, which leads her to explore complex themes of identity, past lives, and relationships. Director Rebecca Zlotowski co-wrote the film, which also touches on Jewish identity and the expatriate experience, resonating personally with both Foster and Zlotowski. Foster’s performance balances humor and emotional depth, portraying a rational woman grappling with irrational events and reconnecting with her past and family. Looking ahead, Foster expressed interest in collaborating with Kristin Scott Thomas on future French-language projects. The film highlights Foster’s bilingual skills and her ongoing exploration of challenging, nuanced roles in French cinema.