Julia Roberts Debuts at Venice Film Festival in #MeToo-Inspired ‘After the Hunt’

Julia Roberts made her debut at the Venice Film Festival with the premiere of “After the Hunt,” a psychological drama directed by Luca Guadagnino that explores the complexities of the #MeToo movement. In the film, Roberts portrays Alma Anville, a prominent philosophy professor at a prestigious university. The plot thickens when Alma’s mentee, played by Ayo Edebiri, accuses her close friend and colleague, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, of inappropriate misconduct. This accusation ignites a series of events that test the characters’ personal and professional limits.

The screenplay by Nora Garrett intricately examines moral ambiguities around consent and power dynamics within academic settings, emphasizing the intersection of personal relationships and professional ethics. The title “After the Hunt” metaphorically represents the aftermath of unresolved conflicts, highlighting the film’s thematic depth.

During the press conference, Roberts discussed the film’s representation of the feminist and #MeToo movements. She clarified that the film aims to foster conversation rather than pit women against each other, stating, “I don’t necessarily think it revives an old argument.” This sentiment echoes the film’s goal of provoking diverse emotions and encouraging audiences to reflect on their beliefs.

Guadagnino emphasized that the film showcases a clash of individual truths without endorsing a singular moral viewpoint, comparing it stylistically to Woody Allen’s films from the 1980s and early 1990s. Premiering out of competition, “After the Hunt” received a six-minute standing ovation. Scheduled for a North American release on October 10, 2025, under Amazon MGM Studios, the film features an ensemble cast, including Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny. Its debut has sparked significant discourse, notably on consent, power, and the current state of the #MeToo movement.