Review: After the Hunt “Dull, yet beautiful”

Yale philosophy professor Alma (Julia Roberts) faces a critical personal and professional dilemma when a student (Ayo Edebiri) presents her with an accusation against her friend and colleague, Hank (Andrew Garfield). Alma must make a decisive choice about whom to believe, fully aware that the outcome will significantly affect her career.

After the Hunt is a thought-provoking original screenplay by first-time screenwriter Nora Garrett and directed by Luca Guadagnino. This compelling narrative delves into intricate and challenging themes, drawing the audience into a web of moral dilemmas and human emotions. At its core, the story poses a profound question: “Who would you believe?” This inquiry resonates deeply, urging viewers to reflect on trust, truth, and the complexities of perception in an ever-challenging world.

From the sound design to the close-ups of hands and eyes, along with the stress-inducing score, every choice made by Guadagnino is intentional and aims to evoke a sense of discomfort. I mean, as the film’s tagline states, “Not everything is supposed to make you feel comfortable.”

This film features brilliant performances, particularly from Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. Roberts makes choices that truly humanize her character, Alma, who is unlikable yet fascinating. You can’t help but be captivated by her portrayal, and that’s solely due to Roberts’ talent. Garfield, on the other hand, expertly balances charm and sleaziness. His outstanding choices leave the audience feeling disgusted by his character, highlighted by his mannerisms, such as the way he eats or leans in just a bit too closely to others. This is undoubtedly one of his best performances.

Ayo Edebiri delivered a commendable performance with the limited material she was provided, but her character felt woefully underdeveloped. For a story that revolves around her, there’s nothing that prompts the audience to question her intentions. This might be attributed to choices in acting, but it could just as easily be a shortcoming of the script itself. Edebiri’s character exhibits little to no chemistry with the other cast members, which worsens the sense of disconnection. The potential for a compelling “crush” on Alma is hinted at but never fully realized; the script scarcely provides any hints or nuances to support this emotional arc. This lack of development ultimately leaves viewers craving a more engaging and vibrant portrayal.

“After the Hunt” isn’t a movie designed for pure entertainment. Its ending requires time to digest, leaving viewers with mixed feelings. It is a challenging and purposefully uncomfortable “he said/she said” drama. There are moments where you may feel lost and confused, and some of the dialogue comes across as rather pretentious. The film clearly aims to convey a message, but it ultimately struggles to deliver it effectively. While it features beautiful cinematography, an intriguing score, and fantastic performances, the overall impression is just underwhelming.