After the Hunt Review: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri Explore Sexual Politics
Director Luca Guadagnino continues to delve into the complex ways desire and love affect our perceptions with his recent films Challengers, Queer, and now After the Hunt. Each film reveals twisted and intense emotional dynamics among characters.
Recurring Themes in Guadagnino's Work
In Challengers, Guadagnino crafted a love triangle so intricate that Zendaya, the lead actress, recommended viewers watch the movie twice to fully grasp the character interactions. Queer features Daniel Craig as a desperate, obsessive figure infatuated with a younger man who cannot reciprocate such deep devotion.
After the Hunt: A Different Emotional Structure
Unlike his previous films, After the Hunt centers on a pyramid of longing intertwined with resentment, rather than a simple love triangle. The film removes external pressures like sports competition or psychedelic experiences, focusing purely on the characters’ internal tensions.
Reception and Criticism
Despite its ambitious themes and notable cast including Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri, After the Hunt premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August to mixed and often negative reviews. Its current Rotten Tomatoes rating is 49%, marking it the lowest score in Guadagnino’s filmography.
“After The Hunt was met with mixed to negative reviews out of its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August.”
“The film currently sits with a 49% on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest score for a Guadagnino-directed film.”
Guadagnino’s exploration of complex romantic and sexual relationships remains daring, though After the Hunt challenges audiences differently from his earlier works.
Author's summary: Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt probes deep emotional tensions with notable leads but received lukewarm critical reception, reflecting a bold yet divisive take on desire and resentment.