‘After The Hunt’ Review – Contributes Nothing To The Conversation It Initiates [NYFF 2025]

Synopsis: In Luca Guadagnino’s thriller, written by Nora Garrett, a devastating campus accusation unleashes a torrent of public and personal chaos that blurs the truth of what really happened beyond recognition. Secrets, deceptions, furies, and mixed agendas for the film’s five central characters soon collide in themorality tale that is After The Hunt.

The game is rigged. We all know it, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating. When someone in a position of power wrongs you in any way that could result in job loss or jail time for them, look out. With status comes power and influence and unfortunately, you don’t know who they know or what kind of pull they have; it could leave you worse off than you started. They always find a way to squirm their way out of trouble. They could hinder college and job accessibility, affect your finances, and possibly make attempts on your life. Nevertheless, we can’t let them win. They want us to be in fear while they face no accountability. Stand up for yourself; someone will have your back.

“What are you saying happened?”

When simplified, Philosophy is the questioning of everything in search of truth. However, when the questions make certain people uncomfortable, the truth is like telling your child that it’s bedtime; they don’t want to hear it. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, After the Hunt is the unfortunate reality of speaking up and the all-too-familiar conclusion. In a terrifyingly accurate situation of art imitating life, the film delves into a scenario that changes lives and leaves many with unforgettable trauma. As it waxes philosophically about the current state of society, the student-teacher generational rift is a glaring point of contention. Unfortunately, even as it poses engaging and relevant questions, the ice-cold narrative refuses to choose a side, resulting in a distant and aloof emotional tone. And despite a solid ensemble performance, a somewhat rare point of view, and attention-grabbing cinematography, the feature nearly crosses the line into trivializing very serious circumstances by contributing nothing to the conversation it initiates.

Sexual assault is never an easy topic to tackle. It’s also difficult when taking on other issues, such as cancel culture, how academic institutions handle serious accusations, infidelity, and delivering it through the eyes of someone who is stuck in the middle of one situation and a participant in the other. More than anything, it’s more difficult when you choose not to explore any of your proposed topical subjects and would rather point fingers without even a little conjecture. After the Hunt gives itself the perfect opportunity to present profound insight when it comes to “he said, she said” conundrums, and it didn’t fumble the ball, it took the handoff, ran to the 50-yard line, and sat down. Moreover, the film would rather shrug at its premise and opt to lecture young people about how their way of life and boundaries make older people feel uneasy. The script gets caught up in attempting to be the most clever in the room while delivering a societal analysis, but forgets to make a statement or any cutting observations that we aren’t already aware of. It does reinforce advocating for yourself after an assault, but in a rather passive and dismissive way.

“I’m trying to help you.”

Shortcomings aside, the film excels in many areas. The setup and aesthetic are a tremendous pairing with the overall tone of the bleak affair. As a thriller, it does capitalize on the mystery and uncomfortable tension that continuously builds. The setting is perfect since sexual misconduct seems to get swept under the rug in college settings. But again, it offered no solutions. Alongside the treacherous waters the story finds itself in, it also takes a whack at workplace competition. When it’s all said and done, there is one outcome that all can agree on: Alma’s husband got the short end of the stick. With its bloated runtime and sideline perspective, After the Hunt misses the mark. Its rewatchability is low.

Pace & Pop

As heightened and serious as the film’s subject matter is, there is a surprising lack of urgency. What really pops is the story’s framing. It doesn’t shy away from how exactly these situations happen, nor the reactions that others have. While some vocally pick a side, most likely remain undecided or conflicted internally, as the film does.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, Chloë Sevigny

The grounded performances are what keep the film afloat; however, they couldn’t fully save it from itself. As Alma, Julia Roberts is goal-driven, distant, and has more than a few secrets. She also cares about herself more than anyone. Ayo Edebiri’s Maggie is motivated and intelligent, but like many Ivy League students, may not have gotten into Yale from grades and accomplishments alone. She also has a secret obsession and a secret or two. Hank (Andrew Garfield) is the professor we’ve seen in all the shows and movies and perhaps in person, who flirts with all of his attractive students. In a situation where it’s one person’s word over another’s, his habit of schmoozing could be his undoing. The most enjoyable and empathetic performance belongs to Michael Stuhlbarg as Alma’s dutiful and erudite husband, Frederik. He is the film’s lightness and its laughter. He deserved better.

After the Hunt is currently playing at the New York Film Festival and hits theaters on October 17, 2025. Stay safe and speak up.

Rated: R Runtime: 2h 19m Director: Luca Guadagnino Writer: Nora Garrett Producers: Brian Grazer, p.g.a., Luca Guadagnino, Jeb Brody, p.g.a., Allan Mandelbaum, p.g.a. Executive Producers: Karen Lunder, Justin Wilkes, Alice Dawson, Nora Garrett