Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt is a movie that tries to tackle big ideas about truth, guilt, and the Me Too movement, set in the polished halls of Yale University. It follows Alma, a philosophy professor played by Julia Roberts, who faces a crisis when her star student accuses a colleague of misconduct. As the story unfolds, Alma’s own hidden past starts to creep out, mixing her personal struggles with the professional drama. The story moves slowly, building tension through quiet talks and meaningful looks rather than big action scenes. Alma is caught between her student (Ayo Edebiri), who’s pushing for justice, and her friend and fellow professor (Andrew Garfield). Her rocky marriage to a quirky psychiatrist (Michael Stuhlbarg) adds another layer, while hints about her past keep you guessing. The script, written by Nora Garrett, is smart and full of big ideas, but it can feel vague at times.
Julia Roberts is the heart of the movie, giving a performance that’s both strong and fragile. As Alma, she shows every ounce of worry and doubt through her expressions—her face says more than words ever could. She makes Alma feel real, like someone you could know, struggling to do what’s right when everything’s messy. It’s the kind of acting that sticks with you, proving why Roberts is still a star.
The supporting cast is just as impressive. Andrew Garfield brings a soft, almost broken energy to his role, making you question his character’s guilt without making him a cartoon villain. Ayo Edebiri is sharp and passionate as the student, adding a fresh spark that shakes up the older characters. Together, they keep the movie engaging even when it slows down.
Guadagnino’s direction is beautiful, with dark, rainy visuals that match the story’s heavy mood. The camera work feels intimate, zooming in on faces to show every emotion. The movie dives into the Me Too movement, exploring how people and institutions handle accusations of assault. It shows the clash between older generations, who might have ignored certain behaviors, and younger ones demanding change. It’s less about picking a side and more about making you think about truth and responsibility. That open-ended approach is what makes it interesting but also what might leave some viewers wanting clearer answers.
What After the Hunt does best is make you want to talk about it. It’s not a movie that wraps everything up neatly—it leaves you wrestling with the characters’ choices and your own thoughts. The quiet moments, especially with Alma’s story, hit hard and feel real. It’s the kind of film you’ll want to discuss with friends, picking apart what it all means.
After The Hunt is a movie with great ideas and amazing acting, but the screenplay doesn’t always hit the mark. Julia Roberts and the cast make it worth watching, and Guadagnino’s style keeps it engaging. If you like movies that make you think and don’t mind some loose ends, it’s a solid pick.
After The Hunt is screening from October 16 at Luna Leederville, Windsor and Luna on SX.
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