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Julia Roberts’ latest film, After the Hunt, premiered out of competition at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2025, and has quickly stirred debate due to its exploration of conflict, power dynamics, and #MeToo themes. The psychological thriller, directed by Luca Guadagnino, follows Julia as a beloved professor navigating personal and professional crises after a star student (Ayo Edebiri) accuses her colleague (Andrew Garfield) of assault.
Roberts Speaks Out:
Julia Roberts defended the film, emphasizing that it’s meant to spark conversation rather than take a side in debates about women or power. She stated:
“The best part of your question is that you all came out of the theatre talking about it. That’s how we wanted it to feel… you realise what you believe in strongly because we stir it all up for you.”
She described the film as documenting “troubled women” and said that conflict is where the “juicy stuff” lies, making it worthwhile for actors and audiences alike. Roberts likened the experience to Tender Mercies (1983), highlighting the magic of simply capturing life as it unfolds and encouraging audiences to reflect and discuss.
Guadagnino echoed Roberts, stressing that the film examines people’s truths without prioritizing one over another. He explained that the focus is not on delivering a manifesto but on exploring how conflicts intersect and challenge individuals.
After the Hunt aims to revive meaningful dialogue at a time when Roberts feels humanity is “losing the art of conversation,” making the film as much about reflection and discussion as it is about storytelling.