After the Hunt Review: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri Explore Sexual Politics
Director Luca Guadagnino continues his exploration of desire and love's complex effects on perception with his latest film, After the Hunt. Following Challengers and Queer, Guadagnino examines how relationships distort the way people view the world and each other.
Recurring Themes in Guadagnino’s Work
In Challengers, he presented a twisted love triangle so intricate that Zendaya, the lead actress, believed audiences needed to watch it twice to fully grasp the character dynamics. Queer featured Daniel Craig as a frenzied, often pathetic obsessive, infatuated with a younger man unable to handle such intense devotion.
After the Hunt’s Unique Dynamic
Unlike the rush of a tennis championship or the chaotic experience of an ayahuasca trip in previous films, After the Hunt centers on a “pyramid of longing” filled with resentment rather than a conventional love triangle. The pressure is more psychological, emphasizing complex emotional entanglements.
Critical Reception
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August but received mixed to negative reviews. It currently holds a 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking the lowest score among Guadagnino’s directorial works.
“With Challengers, Guadagnino presented a love triangle so twisted that leading lady Zendaya insisted audiences needed to see the movie twice to get a proper feel for all the character dynamics.”
“After the Hunt was met with mixed to negative reviews out of its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August.”
Author’s summary: Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt challenges traditional portrayals of desire and resentment but has faced polarized critical response, reflecting the complexity of its themes.