Julia Roberts Struggles to Elevate Mediocre “After the Hunt” at Venice

At the Venice International Film Festival, the premiere of “After the Hunt” showcased a film that, despite its star-studded cast and a compelling score, struggles to leave a lasting impact. The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, features a screenplay by Nora Garrett, addressing themes related to the #MeToo movement within the context of a fictional Yale University philosophy department.

Plot Overview and Themes

“After the Hunt” introduces viewers to Alma Imhoff, portrayed by Julia Roberts, a philosopher navigating the complexities of modern academia. The narrative quickly reveals a familiar backdrop: tension between generations, particularly focusing on Gen Z. The film attempts to tackle current cultural debates, with characters bluntly expressing their concerns about the “climate in higher education” and how it affects their lives.

Alma is flanked by her mentee, Hank, played by Andrew Garfield, and promising student Maggie, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri. As the plot unfolds, Maggie makes a serious accusation against Hank on an evening that also unveils sensitive information about Alma’s past. This convergence of events sets the stage for a series of dramatic confrontations, yet the execution feels more like a dull dinner party than a gripping narrative.

Musical Influence and Cinematic Choices

The film’s score, crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, injects a sense of urgency with its modernist elements, yet it struggles to rescue the overall momentum of the film. The music features panicked strings and bold brass, which contrasts sharply with the film’s lack of engaging dialogue. Cinematographer Malik Hassan Sayeed, known for his work in films like “Girl 6,” attempts to elevate the visuals with Godardian influences, but without stimulating conversation, the film falters.

“After the Hunt” has moments that seem poised to resonate, particularly when Alma experiences personal turmoil reminiscent of Cate Blanchett’s performance in “Tár.” However, this intensity is fleeting. Instead, Alma shifts into a stoic role, grappling with her public persona and the pressures of academia, including a subplot involving opioid use.

Critics have noted that the film is filled with provocative moments, yet they often come across as contrived. The opening credits, inspired by Woody Allen, and the inclusion of tracks from Morrissey serve as attempts to provoke thought but ultimately contribute to a sense of disconnection.

The juxtaposition of Alma and Maggie’s final encounter, framed like a pivotal scene in “Heat,” is an example of how the film aspires to gravitas yet fails to deliver on that promise. Instead of a powerful confrontation, viewers are left with a narrative that feels underwhelming.

In summary, “After the Hunt” presents a compelling cast and an array of relevant themes, but it ultimately struggles to engage its audience fully. As it stands, the film may provoke discussion, but it seems unlikely to make a lasting impression in the cinematic landscape.