|
|
|
|
|
In order to rise to the top of any field, it takes hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, too. And in director Luca Guadagnino’s latest drama, After the Hunt, a woman who’s devoted her entire life to her career finds herself fighting to hold on to her goals.
After the Hunt stars Julia Roberts as Alma Imhoff, a beloved Yale philosophy professor who’s competing with her close friend and colleague, Hank Gibson (Andrew Garfield), for tenure. Alma has worked tirelessly for what she’s gotten—and she believes that it’s finally her time. But then, after a party at Alma’s home, something happens between Hank and wealthy and well-connected student Maggie (Ayo Edebiri). And when Maggie accuses Hank of wrongdoing, Alma finds herself caught in the middle, weighing friendships, relationships, and her career as she struggles to figure out how best to handle the situation.
As the story plays out, so much about it is ambiguous: the characters’ relationships, their motivations...even the truth of the matter is never quite clear. And it leaves viewers to wrestle with a whole lot of difficult situations.
The problem, however, is that none of these characters are especially likable. They’re academics who sit around in their posh apartments and their Ivy league offices, debating power and privilege in the most pretentious of ways. And the more viewers get to know about Alma, the more difficult she becomes. She’s strong and fearless, fighting through the challenges and setbacks and even her own physical pain in order to achieve her goals. But she’s also cold and distant and even calculating—even toward her long-suffering husband. She’s the kind of character who needs to surround herself with admirers who will do anything to win her approval (which she never fully gives). And when two of those admirers end up in a messy situation, her carefully constructed image begins to crumble.
There’s something fascinating about this challenging drama—from the director’s sound and visual choices to the difficult debates. It’s an unapologetic exploration of complicated relationships and power struggles, presented by a strong cast. But it keeps audiences at an arm’s length, preventing it from being a captivating award season contender.
After the Hunt sets out to challenge viewers with its ambiguity, its provocative topics, and its difficult characters. But while there are some intriguing aspects to the film, it’s one that’s destined to fade from audiences’ memory as more noteworthy award season hopefuls are released.
You can explore Alma’s life and career as After the Hunt expands to theaters nationwide on October 17, 2025.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
|
|
|
|
