Julia Roberts Defends MeToo-Themed Drama ‘After The Hunt’ at Venice Film Festival

Hollywood icon Julia Roberts addressed criticism surrounding her latest project, After The Hunt, during a press conference at the Venice International Film Festival. The crime thriller, directed by Luca Guadagnino, delves into issues tied to the #MeToo movement and has sparked debate over its treatment of feminism and accountability.

Responding to a question on whether the film undermines feminist discourse, Roberts dismissed the suggestion, instead emphasizing the film’s intent to provoke meaningful dialogue. “We’ve lost the art of conversation in humanity,” Roberts remarked, as quoted by Variety. “I don’t necessarily think it revives an old argument of women being pitted against one another.”

With a hint of humor, Roberts added, “I love the softball questions early in the morning,” before pointing to the tagline on the film’s poster: ‘Not everything is supposed to make you feel comfortable.’

“That’s how we wanted it to feel,” she continued. “Everyone walks away with different emotions and points of view. You realize what you believe in because we stir it all up for you. So, you’re welcome.”

After The Hunt follows Roberts as a renowned philosophy professor navigating a scandal within the academic world. The story unfolds when her protégé, played by Ayo Edebiri, accuses her friend and colleague—portrayed by Andrew Garfield—of misconduct. The screenplay by Nora Garrett avoids simplistic resolutions, favoring ambiguity and layered perspectives.

Director Luca Guadagnino revealed that the film was partially inspired by the works of Woody Allen. “It reminded me of the great oeuvre of Woody Allen between 1985 and 1991,” he said. “It made us reflect on our responsibilities when working with an artist we love, even as they face personal controversies.”

Though After The Hunt is generating significant discussion, it is not competing for the festival’s top honors. The Venice International Film Festival runs from August 27 to September 6, 2025. Guadagnino’s previous film, Queer, starring Daniel Craig, premiered at Venice in 2024, while his tennis drama Challengers was originally slated for 2023 but was delayed due to Hollywood strikes.