Julia Roberts is back on the big screen in After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino, and she delivers a commanding performance that places her at the center of this provocative campus drama. Known for being selective with her roles in recent years, Roberts makes a bold return here, and her presence dominates every frame of the film’s 2 hours and 19 minutes.
A Story of Power, Morality, and Doubt
Roberts plays Alma, a celebrated philosophy professor at Yale University. She is respected, admired, and envied by those around her—her husband Frederik (Michael Stuhlbarg), her charismatic colleague Hank (Andrew Garfield), and her ambitious student Maggie (Ayo Edebiri).
The story shifts when Maggie confides in Alma that Hank acted inappropriately after a late-night party. Alma’s loyalty, career ambitions, and moral compass are tested as she questions whether to support her student or her long-time colleague. The film tackles themes of cancel culture, feminism, identity politics, and the blurred lines of personal responsibility.
A Complex but Overloaded Drama
While the subject matter is bold and timely, the storytelling doesn’t always match its ambition. Guadagnino’s stylistic camera work and heavy-handed music often distract from the intensity of the narrative. The script by Nora Garrett also tries to juggle too many ideas, mixing philosophical jargon with layered subplots that sometimes leave the audience confused rather than engaged.
Despite these flaws, the film still resonates because of Roberts. Her performance is restrained yet powerful—her silence more piercing than loud arguments, her glare more striking than words. This controlled portrayal highlights why she remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.
Mixed Performances, One Standout Star
Not all performances reach the same level. Garfield feels miscast, his exaggerated energy clashing with Roberts’ subtlety, while Stuhlbarg’s character comes across as more irritating than intended. Yet Roberts anchors the film, making Alma a figure of strength, vulnerability, and deep complexity.
Why Roberts Could Win Big
After the Hunt may not fully succeed as a complete drama, but Roberts’ performance alone makes it worth watching. With her intensity and nuanced delivery, she could be on track for her second Oscar, nearly 25 years after Erin Brockovich.
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