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 his works Challengers and Queer, Guadagnino examines how these powerful emotions shape relationships and self-understanding.
Guadagnino's Thematic Journey
In Challengers, Guadagnino portrayed a twisted love triangle so intricate that Zendaya, the lead, suggested the film required a second viewing to fully grasp the characters' dynamics. Meanwhile, Queer features Daniel Craig as a frantic, obsessive character, desperately longing for a younger man who struggles with such intensity.
After the Hunt’s Unique Narrative
After the Hunt shifts from the fast-paced tennis setting of Challengers and the frenetic energy of an ayahuasca trip in Queer to a more tense, emotionally charged story centered on a pyramid of longing filled with resentment rather than a simple love triangle.
Reception and Ratings
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 Guadagnino’s lowest score to date.
"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."
"Now, with After the Hunt, there’s no need for the rush of a tennis championship or the frenzy of an ayahuasca trip to crank up the pressure on the central characters, who are less a love triangle and more a pyramid of longing, etched with resentment."
Author’s summary: Guadagnino’s After the Hunt dives deep into complex emotional webs but faces mixed criticism, reflecting the director’s bold yet challenging approach to portraying desire and resentment.