Julia Roberts has made a compelling return to the screen with her latest film, "After the Hunt," directed by Luca Guadagnino. This psychological drama-thriller, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, tackles sensitive subjects such as cancel culture, the MeToo movement, and the complexities of free speech. Given the pertinent themes and Roberts’ involvement, critics have been eager to weigh in, providing a range of reviews that reflect their diverse perspectives.
Plot Overview
In "After the Hunt," Roberts plays a college professor at a pivotal juncture in both her personal and professional life. The tension escalates when a star student, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, accuses one of her colleagues, played by Andrew Garfield, of misconduct. As the story unfolds, Roberts’ character must confront a dark secret from her past that threatens to surface, adding layers to the film’s narrative.
Critics’ Reactions
Initial reactions to the film have been decidedly mixed, despite consistent praise for Roberts’ performance. Many critics highlight that while the film attempts to explore deep societal issues, it ultimately falls short in its execution. Nevertheless, Roberts has emerged as a standout, with some suggesting that this may be one of her best performances in many years.
Deadline praised her, stating, “Though its conversations about tenure can be a chore, its presentation of the modern campus as the Somme — in terms of the battleground for progressive politics — does strike a very timely chord. It’s also Julia Roberts’ best work in a long, long time.” This sentiment resonates with critics who appreciate Roberts’ ability to shed her “America’s Sweetheart” image and take on a more complex and layered character.
The UK’s Daily Telegraph awarded the film five stars, calling it a “devilish cancel culture thriller” and asserting that Roberts is “back to her best.” This review illustrates how some critics view the film as a triumphant return for the actress, celebrating the strengths she brings to the narrative.
Conversely, the Times of London, which requires a subscription for full access, offered a bold proclamation that “Julia Roberts will win an Oscar for this MeToo story.” This enthusiasm from the publication highlights the potential for the film to gain significant awards attention, especially for Roberts’ performance.
Dissenting Voices
Nonetheless, not all critiques have been favorable. The Playlist issued a C+ grade, suggesting that while the film touches on deep existential questions, it fails to dive deeply enough into the moral dilemmas at play. They note, "As a study of the former, Guadagnino’s drama feels lacking, but if seen as a musing on the latter, it opens up as an imperfect but still fascinating read.”
The Guardian’s review was harsher, giving the film only two stars and labeling it a “muddled campus accusation drama.” The reviewer criticized the film’s attempt to weave complexity into a potentially rich narrative, only to end in a “noncommittal jumble of ideas.” This critique raises concerns about the film’s structure and storytelling, which some believe detracts from its more serious themes.
Similarly, The Film Stage described the film as “regressive and unimaginative,” arguing that it struggles to meaningfully engage with the issues of cancel culture it aims to tackle. This perspective reflects a growing concern among some critics that merely addressing these weighty topics does not equate to effectively exploring them.
The South China Morning Post echoed this sentiment with its 2.5/5-star rating, stating that while Roberts shines in her role, the film remains muddled in its narrative focus: “the real crux of the story remains unclear.” This uncertainty about the film’s direction has led some critics to feel conflicted about its impact.
Style and Direction
Guadagnino, known for his visually striking storytelling, appears to have adopted a different approach with "After the Hunt." Critics have noted a departure from his usual lush aesthetic, with a more subdued color palette and sparse set design contributing to a feeling of claustrophobia throughout the film. Decider remarked that the film “might be too smart for its own good” as it struggles to convey its messages effectively, leaving viewers feeling suffocated rather than engaged.
Written by screenwriter Nora Garrett, "After the Hunt" follows Guadagnino’s trend of exploring complex themes within interpersonal narratives. While the film was produced by noted names in the industry like Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum, it seems that the combination of careful writing and ambitious direction has not resonated with all audiences.
Conclusion
"After the Hunt" has generated substantial buzz, aligning with contemporary discourse surrounding MeToo and cancel culture. Julia Roberts’ portrayal has been a significant highlight, drawing consistent praise and bolstering expectations for her performance in awards season. However, mixed reviews from critics raise questions about the film’s overall effectiveness in grappling with its substantial themes.
While some view it as a thought-provoking addition to the discourse surrounding these issues, others believe it falls short of its potential. Ultimately, "After the Hunt" serves as a significant exploration of contemporary societal challenges, and perhaps, more importantly, it marks Julia Roberts’ remarkable return to a leading role—one that challenges her to explore darker and more complex themes than ever before.
As the film launches on October 10, audiences can anticipate a polarizing yet engaging glimpse into the moral complexities of the human experience. Whether it garners accolades come awards season remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked—about the roles we play and the secrets we keep—will persist long after the credits roll.
