After the Hunt Review: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri Navigate Sexual Politics
Director Luca Guadagnino continues his exploration of desire and love's complexities with After The Hunt, following his recent films Challengers and Queer. Each film delves into how passion can distort perception of the world and relationships.
Guadagnino's Recent Work
In Challengers, Guadagnino portrayed a twisted love triangle so intricate that lead actress Zendaya urged viewers to watch the film twice to fully grasp the character dynamics. Meanwhile, Queer featured Daniel Craig as a frantic and obsessive man, yearning for a younger partner unable to match his intensity.
After The Hunt's Unique Dynamic
After The Hunt shifts from a love triangle to a pyramid of longing, filled with resentment, without the external pressures of a tennis tournament or psychedelic experience that fueled Guadagnino's previous films.
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 for any film directed by Guadagnino.
"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: Guadagnino's After The Hunt explores complex desires with nuance but has polarized critics, holding his lowest Rotten Tomatoes rating yet.