Jodie Foster, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, is set to captivate audiences once again with her latest project, Vie Privée, a French murder mystery directed by the acclaimed Rebecca Zlotowski. The film, which also stars Daniel Auteuil and Virginie Efira, will have its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, with a scheduled release in Greece on July 24, 2025. Described as a thrilling exploration of the cost of keeping secrets and the power of revealing them, Vie Privée promises to be a highlight of the year’s cinematic offerings. This article delves into the film’s production, its stellar cast, the thematic depth of its narrative, and the anticipation surrounding its debut on the global stage.
A Return to French Cinema for Jodie Foster
At 62, Jodie Foster is no stranger to the world of international cinema, having built a career that spans over five decades with iconic roles in films like The Silence of the Lambs (1991), for which she won her second Academy Award, and more recently True Detective: Night Country (2024), earning her a Primetime Emmy. Foster’s affinity for French cinema is well-documented—she speaks fluent French, having studied at the Lycée Français de Los Angeles, and has previously starred in French-language films such as Moi, Fleur Bleue (1977), Le Sang des Autres (1984), and Un Long Dimanche de Fiançailles (2004). Her return to French cinema with Vie Privée marks her first French-language role in two decades, a significant moment for the actress who has long expressed her love for the language and culture of France.
Foster’s connection to Cannes is equally deep. She presided over the festival’s jury in 2001 and received an Honorary Palme d’Or in 2021, where she delivered a moving speech in French, reflecting on her lifelong bond with the festival that began with Taxi Driver (1976), which won the Palme d’Or. Thierry Frémaux, the general delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, noted Foster’s ties to France, saying, “We’re very happy to welcome her after she illuminated the opening ceremony in 2021.” The premiere of Vie Privée in the Out of Competition section at Cannes 2025, scheduled for May 13 to 24, is poised to be one of the festival’s most anticipated events, with Foster and her co-stars expected to grace the iconic red carpet.
The Vision of Rebecca Zlotowski
At the helm of Vie Privée is Rebecca Zlotowski, a French filmmaker known for her nuanced explorations of female characters and complex emotional landscapes. Zlotowski, who has directed critically acclaimed films like Belle Épine (2010), Grand Central (2013), Une Fille Facile (2019), and Les Enfants des Autres (2022), brings her signature sensitivity to this new project. Les Enfants des Autres, which also starred Virginie Efira, was a poignant exploration of stepmotherhood, earning Efira the Prix Lumière for Best Actress and solidifying Zlotowski’s reputation as a director who captures the intricacies of human relationships with authenticity.
Zlotowski co-wrote the screenplay for Vie Privée with Anne Berest, known for her work on Happening (2021), and Gaëlle Macé, a frequent collaborator of Zlotowski’s. The film was shot between Paris and Normandy from September 30 to November 22, 2024, a remarkably tight schedule that Zlotowski described as “only a few days” during a January 2025 screening of Les Enfants des Autres in Paris. Despite the brevity, the production brought together a stellar cast and crew, with Frédéric Jouve of Les Films Velvet producing and France 3 Cinéma co-producing. The film’s international appeal is evident in its distribution deals—Sony Pictures Classics acquired North American and Latin American rights in February 2025, while Goodfellas secured sales across Europe, reflecting the global anticipation for this project.
A Stellar Cast: Foster, Auteuil, and Efira
Vie Privée boasts a cast that reads like a who’s who of international cinema. Jodie Foster stars as Lilian Steiner, a renowned psychiatrist who becomes convinced that the death of one of her patients is not a suicide but a murder, prompting her to launch a private investigation. Foster’s role as a determined investigator echoes her past characters like Clarice Starling, but Lilian Steiner offers a new layer of complexity—a woman grappling with the psychological toll of her profession while uncovering dangerous truths.
Daniel Auteuil, a veteran French actor known for his roles in Jean de Florette (1986) and The Eighth Day (1996), plays Lilian’s companion, adding depth to the film’s emotional core. Auteuil, who also directed and starred in the 2024 courtroom drama An Ordinary Case, brings his seasoned gravitas to the role, promising a dynamic interplay with Foster. Virginie Efira, Zlotowski’s muse and a celebrated actress in her own right, joins the cast in a pivotal role. Efira, who won a César for Best Actress in 2023 for Revoir Paris and collaborated with Zlotowski on Les Enfants des Autres, is known for her ability to portray complex, emotionally resonant characters. Her reunion with Zlotowski in Vie Privée is one of the film’s most anticipated aspects, with their shared vision for nuanced female characters expected to shine.
The supporting cast includes Mathieu Amalric (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), Vincent Lacoste (Lost Illusions), and Luàna Bajrami (Portrait of a Lady on Fire), adding further depth to the ensemble. Lacoste plays Foster’s son in the film, a dynamic Zlotowski hinted at during the January 2025 event, keeping the audience in suspense about the full scope of the relationships and plot.
The Narrative: Secrets and Revelations
Vie Privée, which translates to Private Life, is a French murder mystery that delves into the cost of keeping secrets and the power of revealing them. The plot centers on Lilian Steiner, whose professional life as a psychiatrist is upended when she learns of a patient’s death. Convinced it’s a murder, Lilian embarks on a private investigation, a journey that forces her to confront hidden truths—both about her patient and herself. The film is described as a “screwball comedy” with psychological thriller elements, blending humor and suspense in a way that Frémaux likened to classic films where couples unravel mysteries together.
This thematic focus on secrets and their revelation resonates with Foster’s own reflections on storytelling. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, she spoke about her desire to help young actors find their own voice, a sentiment that mirrors Lilian’s quest to uncover the truth. The film’s exploration of the psychological cost of secrecy also aligns with Zlotowski’s past work, particularly her focus on female characters navigating societal expectations and personal desires. Les Enfants des Autres tackled the stigma of stepmotherhood, while Une Fille Facile challenged stereotypes about female sexuality. In Vie Privée, Zlotowski appears to continue this trend, using Lilian’s investigation as a lens to explore broader themes of truth, trust, and the human psyche.
Anticipation and Global Reach
The announcement of Vie Privée’s world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, held from May 13 to 24, has generated significant buzz. Presented out of competition, the film is expected to be a highlight of the festival, with its star-studded cast and intriguing premise drawing attention from cinephiles and critics alike. The festival’s selection reflects its confidence in Zlotowski’s vision and Foster’s enduring appeal, especially given her history with Cannes.
Following its premiere, Vie Privée is scheduled for release in Greece on July 24, 2025, with a broader French release planned for the second half of 2025, distributed by Ad Vitam. The film’s international distribution deals underscore its global appeal—Sony Pictures Classics will handle North American and Latin American releases, while Goodfellas has secured rights across Europe, including the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy. This widespread interest suggests that Vie Privée will reach a diverse audience, potentially positioning it as a contender for awards season recognition.
A Reflection of Foster’s Legacy
For Jodie Foster, Vie Privée represents more than just a return to French cinema—it’s a continuation of her legacy as an actress who seeks out meaningful, challenging roles. At 62, Foster remains a force in the industry, balancing acting with directing and producing. Her recent Emmy win for True Detective: Night Country and her fifth Oscar nomination for Nyad (2023) demonstrate her enduring talent, while her personal life—married to Alexandra Hedison since 2014 and a mother to two adult sons—reflects her commitment to balance and authenticity.
Foster’s choice to star in Vie Privée speaks to her lifelong love for French cinema and her desire to collaborate with visionary directors like Zlotowski. The film’s themes of secrecy and revelation also resonate with Foster’s own journey, as she has navigated the public eye while fiercely protecting her privacy. In a 2025 interview with People, she spoke about her sons, saying, “Hopefully you understand the joy that comes from doing really hard, meaningful, good work,” a sentiment that could easily apply to her approach to Vie Privée.
A Cinematic Event to Watch
As Vie Privée prepares for its world premiere at Cannes 2025, the anticipation is palpable. With a director known for her emotional depth, a cast of international stars, and a narrative that promises to unravel the complexities of secrets, the film is poised to be a standout of the year. Its release in Greece on July 24, 2025, will mark the beginning of its global journey, one that is sure to leave audiences captivated by its blend of suspense, humor, and human insight. Jodie Foster, once again, proves why she remains one of cinema’s most enduring talents, and Vie Privée is set to be a testament to the power of storytelling to reveal the truths we often keep hidden.
