My introduction to Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino was through the 2009 release I Am Love and he’s followed that with a suite of interesting, thought-provoking movies including Call Me by Your Name, Bones and All, Challengers and Queer.  His latest outing is After the Hunt, an engaging thriller headlined by Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich).  Working with first-time screenwriter Nora Garrett, Guadagnino reaffirms his reputation as a risk-taking director who avoids convention.

Set at Yale University in Connecticut, four characters are the focus.  Alma (Roberts) is a highly regarded philosophy professor who will do whatever is necessary to earn an important promotion.  Frederik (Stuhlbarg) is Alma’s long-time husband who is never afraid to speak his mind and offer sage advice.  Maggie (Edebiri) is a student in Alma’s class, from an extremely wealthy family, who has gone public with claims she was sexually assaulted after a campus party.  Hank (Garfield) is the accused individual, an ambitious assistant professor who has a close association with the now conflicted Alma.  He strenuously denies the allegations.

At face value, After the Hunt has the appearance of a “who’s telling the truth?” mystery as we unpick the facts of the case.  We don’t witness the assault, we don’t listen to discussions between Alma and her friends, and we don’t see the outcome of an “off the record” chat between Alma and the school’s dean.  It’s therefore up to us, as the audience, to form varied opinions based off observations of conversations, actions, body language.

Does the truth really matter though?  We see an instance where facts aren’t established beyond a reasonable doubt, but it doesn’t stop others weighing in – because it suits a narrative they want to push or because it’s needed as damage control.  On the flip side, there’s an instance (avoiding spoilers) where someone is 100% guilty of a crime but they avoid scandal and significant punishment by having it kept hush-hush by those in power.  It reminds me of the saying “history is written by the victors”. 

While the film could have been clearer with some messaging (e.g. cancel culture), After the Hunt thrives as a character study.  You could use any one of the four lead characters as your “entry point” into the material and, just like a Shakespearean play, scrutinise their actions in depth.  Julia Roberts has just two acting credits to her name over the past 7 years and it’s great to see her back in peak form as the cold, guarded, determined, intriguing Alma.  It’s one of her finest roles.

Featuring an unusual music score from Nine Inch Nails duo of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network, Challengers) which marries nicely with the film’s disconcerting vibe, After the Hunt will generate debate whether you like it or not.