After the Hunt Review: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri Explore Sexual Politics
Director Luca Guadagnino continues his fascination with the complex facets of desire and love in his latest film, After The Hunt. Following Challengers and Queer, Guadagnino examines how passion can distort our perceptions of ourselves and others.
Guadagnino’s Exploration of Desire
In Challengers, Guadagnino depicted a convoluted love triangle so intricate that Zendaya, the leading actress, felt viewers needed to watch the film twice to fully grasp the character dynamics. His film Queer featured Daniel Craig as an obsessive man hopelessly infatuated with a younger, less passionate individual.
After The Hunt's Unique Dynamics
Unlike previous works, After The Hunt avoids the intensity of a competitive sports event or a spiritual journey to heighten emotional stakes. Instead of a simple love triangle, the story unfolds as a pyramid of longing layered with deep resentment between the characters.
Reception at Venice Film Festival
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August but received a mixed to negative response from critics. It currently holds a 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as Guadagnino's lowest-scoring film to date.
"With Challengers, Guadagnino presented a love triangle so twisted that leading lady Zendaya insisted audiences needed to see the movie twice."
"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 love triangle narratives with complex emotional layers but struggled to win over critics at its Venice debut.