To paint a vivid picture of the intricate conflicts, character dynamics, and power plays woven into Luca Guadagnino's latest cinematic offering, "After the Hunt," during the film's official press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Julia Roberts was promptly quizzed on whether the movie undermines feminist endeavors. With a playful grin, she deflected any notion of disagreement, saying, "It's just not in my nature." Instead, she championed the film as a catalyst for vital debates. "This movie breathes new life into age-old arguments, sparking conversations that linger long after the credits roll," she elaborated. "The most gratifying part of your question is that you and your audience left the theater buzzing about 'After the Hunt.' That's precisely the reaction we aimed for — for everyone to exit with a cacophony of emotions, feelings, and viewpoints, challenging their inner convictions and beliefs. So, consider it our pleasure."
"After the Hunt" unfolds as a psychological drama centered on Alma Imhoff (Roberts), a college professor grappling with personal and professional dilemmas when her star pupil, Maggie (Ayo Edebiri), accuses her colleague Hank (Andrew Garfield) of assault. As the narrative deepens, a sinister secret from Alma's past looms on the horizon, threatening to surface. Guadagnino directed the film from a screenplay penned by Nora Garrett.
Earlier in the session, another journalist had inquired about what drew Roberts and Edebiri to portray such "troubled women." Roberts responded with a gesture encompassing the entire press conference panel, which also included Guadagnino, Edebiri, Garfield, Garrett, Chloë Sevigny, and Michael Stuhlbarg. "Trouble is where the meaty stories lie," she said. "The intricate complexity Nora infused into each character attracted such a remarkable ensemble. It's like a chain reaction of conflict; once one domino falls, new challenges spring up everywhere you turn. That's what ignites our passion for this work every morning."
Edebiri echoed this sentiment, describing the role as a "dream" due to the challenges it presented. "That's how you evolve," she added. "It's the kind of movie I love watching."
Roberts, clearly reveling in her collaboration with Guadagnino, as evidenced by her stylish arrival in Venice, likened working on "After the Hunt" to Bruce Beresford's "Tender Mercies." The 1982 drama follows a down-and-out, middle-aged country singer's journey of redemption through a new marriage, reconciliation with his estranged daughter, and attempts to piece together his troubled life. "I was mesmerized by the notion of a camera landing serendipitously in a location, documenting what transpires," Roberts explained. "That's how I feel about this film. We're not making grand statements; we're portraying these characters in a specific moment in time. The camera has descended from the heavens at this precise juncture, capturing it all. That's what's truly remarkable."
She continued, "Our aim isn't to make declarations. We're merely sharing these lives for a fleeting moment, then encouraging everyone to engage in conversations. To me, that's the most exhilarating aspect because we seem to be losing the art of human conversation. If 'After the Hunt' accomplishes anything, fostering dialogue among people is the most thrilling achievement I can envision."
Conversations will undoubtedly flow freely as the "After the Hunt" team premieres the film Friday evening at Sala Grande on the Lido during the 82nd Venice Film Festival, running from August 27 to September 6. Amazon MGM Studios will release "After the Hunt" on October 17.
