Jodie Foster’s A Private Life: Strong Rotten Tomatoes Debut, But Falls Short Of True Detective Season 4

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The new French murder mystery, A Private Life, starring Jodie Foster, has received positive reviews, earning a high score on Rotten Tomatoes. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, outside of the competition, and was released in French theaters the following November.

Before hitting theaters in the US on January 16th, the film A Private Life has received a fresh rating of 80% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. This score is based on 49 reviews and may change as more come in.

The movie hasn’t received audience reviews yet, but those should become available after its theatrical release. Although currently ‘Certified Fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes, it doesn’t quite reach the critical acclaim of Jodie Foster’s previous project, True Detective: Night Country, which earned a 93% rating from critics.

In the film A Private Life, directed by Rebecca Zlotowski (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Anne Berest and Gaëlle Macé), Jodie Foster plays a well-known psychiatrist who starts her own investigation when she believes one of her patients was murdered.

According to a review in ScreenRant, Jodie Foster’s new murder mystery, A Private Life, is a thrilling and psychologically complex film. Gregory Nussen praises Foster’s performance, noting her skillful use of French and calling the movie uniquely captivating.

Jodie Foster’s work in A Private Life earned her Best Actress nominations at both the César Awards and the Lumière Awards, a first for an American actor at those ceremonies.

Most critics agree that Jodie Foster carries the film A Private Life. Her skillful French, subtle power, and captivating presence help ground a movie that some find uneven and unusual. Even those who aren’t completely convinced admit that she makes the film interesting, engaging, and often truly delightful.

Critics say the movie is a unique blend of genres – it’s a bit of a murder mystery, a character-driven story, and a romantic comedy all rolled into one. While some praise its cleverness, suspenseful style reminiscent of Hitchcock, and lightheartedness, others feel it doesn’t fully settle into any one category. The mystery isn’t always the main focus, but the film’s unusual pacing and interesting characters make it enjoyable to watch.

Critics are divided on whether the film fully comes together, but many appreciate its quirks. Some see the film’s changes in tone, over-the-top moments, and emotional depth as weaknesses, while others view them as a way to understand the main character’s inner world. Overall, most find A Private Life to be flawed but enjoyable, succeeding more through its mood, acting, and intriguing ideas than through a strong storyline.

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2026-01-15 02:28