“After The Hunt” is Luca Guadagnino’s Most Relevant Film, But Not His Best – A Review
Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, “After the Hunt,” distinguishes itself through its engagement with contemporary social issues, tho it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his previous work. The film deliberately maintains a sense of mystery, positioning Frederik, played by Stuhlbarg, as a crucial audience surrogate. He exists largely outside the central dynamic, mirroring the viewer’s own lack of complete understanding.
Stuhlbarg’s performance expertly navigates the complexities of his character, portraying both deep affection for his wife and a palpable resentment at being consistently marginalized. He also provides much-needed comedic relief, offering moments of reprieve amidst the film’s heavier themes.
however, the supporting script suffers from stilted dialog that occasionally detracts from the narrative. Performances from actors outside the core cast often feel amateurish when contrasted with robert’s (presumably the character played by Stuhlbarg) commanding presence during lectures and conversations with colleagues.
Tension is a defining characteristic of the film’s style. Guadagnino employs a technique where characters engage in dialogue seemingly oblivious to their surroundings, creating a sense of isolated intensity. “After the Hunt” subverts this by introducing frequent interruptions, forcing both actors and the audience to sustain emotional weight during moments of heightened stress, amplifying their impact.
Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts have noted Guadagnino’s preference for efficiency on set. As Garfield joked, “Luca doesn’t like a lot of takes,” suggesting a directorial approach that prioritizes focused, impactful performances.
The film’s score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, further enhances the atmosphere of suspense. Utilizing a diverse range of wind and percussion instruments, the music dynamically responds to the unfolding drama, escalating with each tense exchange and intellectual conflict, and actively contributing to the plot’s progression.
despite the effective score, the film struggles with pacing. Following a gripping opening, the narrative slows considerably, with characters repeatedly revisiting and re-explaining plot points from different perspectives. The momentum doesn’t fully recover until the final 30 minutes.
Ultimately, “After the Hunt” is a compelling work, made even more resonant by its timely exploration of modern issues. The film draws clear parallels to contemporary phenomena like the #MeToo movement and the concept of virtue signaling, grounding the narrative in recognizable cultural touchstones.
The characters are realistically portrayed, operating within the authentic setting of a college campus and confronting relevant issues, particularly those surrounding sexual assault. While the underlying plot may be relatively straightforward, the strong performances of the three leads elevate the film into a tense and powerful drama.
