Private life

A new film directed by Rebecca Zlotowski titled Zasebno življenje has been released, offering a complex narrative that blends elements of psychological drama with crime fiction. The film follows Lillian Steiner, an American psychotherapist living in France, whose professional and personal life takes a dramatic turn upon learning of her patient’s death. The story unfolds through the lens of Lillian, who begins to suspect foul play after her patient, Paula, dies under mysterious circumstances. The film opens with Lillian portrayed as a cold, rational therapist who maintains a strict routine in her modest apartment, meeting patients and listening to their varied struggles. Her demeanor initially masks a deeper vulnerability, which becomes evident when she encounters a long-time patient who reveals that he quit smoking after just one session with a hypnotist, something that had eluded him despite eight years of therapy with Lillian. This revelation sets off a chain of events that leads Lillian to discover that Paula died from an overdose of medication prescribed by her. At a memorial service, Lillian is confronted by the husband of the deceased, whose reaction sparks doubts in her mind about whether Paula's death was truly a suicide. Determined to uncover the truth, Lillian transitions from therapist to detective, investigating whether Paula’s husband or her daughter might have been responsible for her death. While the film initially appears to follow the classic structure of a determined individual taking control of a criminal investigation, it soon subverts expectations. As Lillian delves deeper into the mystery, her obsession grows, leading her to seek help from her former husband, who plays the role of an amateur detective. She even turns to the hypnotist who once helped her escape from her subconscious, a figure that evokes a sense of Lynch-like horror. Throughout the film, Lillian’s mental state deteriorates. She becomes increasingly consumed by the idea that Paula’s husband might be guilty, while simultaneously struggling with her own emotional distance from her adult son and her past. The film gradually reveals that Lillian’s pursuit of justice is more about confronting her own guilt than solving a crime. Her journey is marked by moments of clarity and confusion, as she oscillates between rationality and paranoia. Despite the film’s intricate plot twists and its exploration of psychological conflict, the resolution is ultimately more straightforward than many had anticipated. Some narrative threads remain unresolved, leaving viewers with lingering questions rather than definitive answers. However, this ambiguity serves the film well, reinforcing its themes of self-discovery and the blurred lines between duty and personal responsibility. Jodie Foster delivers a compelling performance as Lillian, capturing the character’s transformation from a composed professional to a deeply flawed investigator. Her portrayal highlights the internal struggle of someone trying to reconcile her identity as both a mother and a healer. The film’s strength lies in its nuanced depiction of Lillian’s psyche, using humor and irony to underscore the absurdity of her situation. Through her, the film explores how individuals can become trapped in their own narratives, searching for meaning in chaos. As the credits roll, the audience is left with a poignant reflection on the nature of truth and the limits of human understanding. The film does not offer easy answers, but instead invites contemplation on the complexities of grief, guilt, and the search for closure.