‘After the Hunt’ review: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri dive into some spicy sexual politics

In recent films like “Challengers,” “Queer,” and now “After The Hunt,” director Luca Guadagnino has been diving deep into the tangled ways desire and love can twist our perceptions of the world and each other.

Guadagnino’s latest, “After The Hunt,” takes a different approach by exploring a love triangle that is less about competition and more about a complex web of yearning and resentment. The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival to mixed reviews, with critics pointing to the heavy-handed intellectualizing of the screenplay by Nora Garrett.

Some have criticized Guadagnino for being didactic and hollow in his approach, but I see this as a deliberate choice to shield the characters from emotional truths that could unravel them. “After The Hunt” is a story about people, particularly white people, who believe they can outsmart their problems, even when they can’t.

Julia Roberts leads the cast as Alma Olsson, a philosophy professor on the brink of tenure at Yale. The film delves into power dynamics, desire, and betrayal, as Alma navigates relationships with her colleague Hank (Andrew Garfield), protege Maggie (Ayo Edebiri), and husband Frederik (Michael Stuhlbarg).

The film doesn’t offer easy answers, instead leaving audiences to grapple with the complexities of desire, power, and the messy truths that lie beneath the surface.
The night after, Maggie shows up at Alma’s door, shaken and drenched, claiming that Hank assaulted her the previous night. Similar to Asghar Farhadi’s “A Separation” or Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall”, “After the Hunt” leaves it to us to piece together the perspectives of Alma, Hank, and Maggie to figure out not only what happened, but what happens next. Alma is hesitant to believe Maggie due to her feelings for Hank, but Hank’s side of the story doesn’t paint a pretty picture either. Unlike typical legal dramas, “After the Hunt” swiftly moves through cause and effect.

After Hank is fired, Maggie is urged by a Yale journalism student to go public with her story, turning to Alma for help. Alma, though not warm or maternal, is pragmatic and appears detached. However, there’s a past secret that demands her attention, much like the eponymous “Tell-Tale Heart”. The movie delves into Alma’s struggle to confront her past, using intellectual arguments as a diving board into emotional depths.

Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, and Michael Stuhlbarg shine in “After the Hunt”. Garfield’s portrayal of Hank is initially alluring but eventually reveals an ugly side, masterfully making audiences uncomfortable. Edebiri’s performance as Maggie showcases her versatility in both drama and comedy, standing up to the star power of Roberts. The movie is truly captivating with its complex characters and compelling storytelling.

All About the Characters in “After the Hunt”

Julia Roberts shines in her role, portraying a character who struggles to keep her inner turmoil hidden. At first, she exudes an aura of glamour and light, but as the story progresses, her facades begin to crumble, revealing a more vulnerable and complex side. Her interactions with her husband, played by Michael Stuhlbarg, showcase a dynamic full of tension and emotion.

Stuhlbarg, known for his captivating performance in “Call Me By Your Name,” once again delivers a remarkable portrayal. As a lovestruck fool who is perceived to be out of his league, he goes to great lengths to please his wife, Julia Roberts’ character. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, making for some of the most compelling moments in the film.

The Enigmatic Ending of “After the Hunt”

Without giving away any spoilers, the ending of “After the Hunt” has left many viewers puzzled. The tone shifts dramatically, veering into unexpected territory that feels disconnected from the rest of the film. While some may interpret it as a lighthearted conclusion, others find it unsatisfying and jarring. It raises questions about the characters’ true intentions and the ways in which they navigate their relationships.

Despite its perplexing ending, “After the Hunt” remains a captivating drama fueled by stellar performances from its talented cast. The film delves into themes of identity, self-reflection, and human connection, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of interpersonal relationships.