Jodie Foster’s French-Language Thriller ‘Vie Privee’ Earns 10-Minute Ovation at Cannes

May 21, 2025 : Jodie Foster’s latest film, Vie Privee (A Private Life), made a powerful impression at the Cannes Film Festival, premiering out of competition and receiving a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience.

According to Deadline, the French-language mystery thriller stars Foster as Dr. Lilian Steiner, a respected psychiatrist who becomes convinced that the death of one of her patients was not accidental. Driven by her suspicions, she embarks on a personal investigation that uncovers unsettling truths.

Directed and co-written by Rebecca Zlotowski, the film showcases a strong collaboration between the filmmaker and Foster.
“We reviewed the whole film, word for word, for six or seven hours straight,” Foster recalled. “I knew then that Rebecca was someone who took her work very seriously; that she had specific ideas for every aspect of the film.”

The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric, Vincent Lacoste, and Luana Bajrami, adding depth and gravitas to the suspense-driven story.

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Vie Privee also marks Foster’s return to French-language cinema after nearly two decades. Her last French-language role was in 2005’s A Very Long Engagement, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Fluent in French, Foster has appeared in several French films throughout her career.

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired distribution rights for North America and Latin America, while Ad Vitam will distribute the film in France.

The film’s emotional and artistic resonance at Cannes signals a strong reception for Foster’s latest international venture and further solidifies her global cinematic legacy.