At the opening night of the 2025 New York Film Festival, Julia Roberts took the spotlight to reflect on her latest film After the Hunt, describing it as a powerful story “about love and forgiveness.” Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the psychological thriller also stars Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, and has already begun sparking thoughtful conversation for its complex narrative and emotional depth.
Set within the walls of an elite university, the film revolves around a tense and morally ambiguous conflict. When Maggie, a gifted PhD student played by Edebiri, accuses her professor Hank (Garfield) of sexual misconduct, the fallout reverberates through their academic community. Julia Roberts portrays Alma, Maggie’s mentor and a close friend of Hank, who finds herself caught in the emotional and ethical crossfire between the two.
Following the film’s debut, Roberts emphasized that the story is intentionally layered, inviting audiences to sit with the ambiguity and resist simple conclusions. “It’s about the messiness of relationships, of truth, and how we find a way back to compassion,” she said.
Director Luca Guadagnino and the cast have embraced the fact that After the Hunt doesn’t offer all the answers. Instead, it presents conflicting perspectives that challenge viewers to think deeply about power, trust, and redemption. Guadagnino, known for emotionally charged films like Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All, continues his exploration of human complexity in this latest project.
While the film grapples with timely issues—including academic power dynamics and the #MeToo movement—Roberts insists the heart of the story is personal. “It’s not about taking sides,” she explained. “It’s about asking what it takes to truly forgive, and whether love can survive doubt.”
The reception at the New York Film Festival suggests that After the Hunt will be one of the most talked-about films of the season. With its rich performances and provocative storytelling, it promises to leave audiences with more questions than answers—and that, according to its creators, is entirely the point.
As the awards season kicks off, After the Hunt may very well become a cultural touchstone—not just for its performances, but for the conversations it inspires long after the credits roll.
