Boundaries are crossed in After the Hunt, a film in which lies come back into play with disciplinary matters at hand. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this film’s writing is disturbing yetrealistic in a fictional #Metoomovement scenario. This story paints a vivid portrait in a college setting. The film has moments which provide context around egotistical matters some of which get dismissed based upon harsh choices.

After the Hunt reminded me of the characteristics of individuals who think they are untouchable. The film involves two professors, and a student. The student has been assaulted by one of the professors, and the other professor hears the story from the student. The fictional plot takes place at Yale University. The main character is Alma (Julia Roberts), one of the professors. The professor in the assault scenario is Hank (Andrew Garfield), and the student is Maggie (Ayo Edebiri). Initially, all of them are close, but that ends when Maggie discloses her story to Alma. This begins to make the film a moving portrait of politics and mixed decisions. This leads to stress and anxiety for the audience as the accusations spread through various red flag channels.

The storyline is logical and transparent. Colleagues get involved and the pressure of tenure plays a role in the controversy as does maintaining personal integrity. However, Guadagnino displays that status does not protect a hundred percent in After the Hunt. However, he also demonstrates that there are consequences for the survivor as well. At this point in the movie, I began to feel disturbed. As someone who has dealt with many stressors in my life, After the Hunt reminded me of how important it is to think things through before jumping to conclusions or seeking help from authorities. In Maggie’s case, she starts building an audience, but that serves to barricade Alma. The pressure grows as the search for justice continues. 

It is important to see After the Hunt with an open mind. Thereal-world issues explored in the film may be hard for some to watch, especially those involving assault. After the Hunt is vivid as it poetically weaves back-and-forth between the witnesses, the victim, and the survivor. At the same time, however, it becomes clear that there are potential irreparable consequences for everyone involved.

The impact of information is highlighted in a bold, cinematic way in After the Hunt. The performances of Roberts, Garfield, and Edebiri all serve a purpose in supporting the storyline through their unique voices in the controversial matter. The college campus provides the vital background into uncharted territory which creates an impactful landscape. Guadagnino’s continued presence around the campus spirals in moments that are anxiety-provoking. It makes audiences ponder how someone could go to work every day in the face of such intense stress.

Two of the supporting characters deliver purpose in this film as well. There is Kim (Chloe Sevigny), a doctor and colleague of Alma. There is also Frederik (Michael Stuhlbarg), Alma’s husband. Both are distractors in Alma’s life. Roberts’ performance transcends into a downward spiral of anxiety where both characters serve as outlets for her. At the same time though, there is a looming question about how much they can tolerate. Despite the chaos in the film, it is an intriguing story about how detrimental reality can be. Three out of four stars for After the Hunt.