Roberts Grapples with #MeToo Fallout in Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt” Trailer

The first look at Luca Guadagnino‘s new psychological drama, “After the Hunt,” reveals Julia Roberts as a university professor ensnared in a #MeToo scandal.

Accusations Erupt on Campus

“After the Hunt” stars Roberts as a professor whose life becomes complicated when a former student, played by “The Bear” sensation Ayo Edebiri, makes an accusation against a colleague. The film, penned by Nora Garrett, also features Andrew Garfield and Guadagnino regulars Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny.

The R-rated film’s synopsis outlines a scenario where the professor faces a critical personal and professional juncture. The escalating accusations against a colleague, portrayed by Garfield, threaten to uncover damaging secrets from her own past.

Generational Clash and Scandal Unfold

The trailer opens with Garfield‘s character, Hank, expressing frustration with younger generations, stating, All your generation, you’re scared of saying the wrong thing. When did offending someone become the preeminent cardinal sin?

Edebiri‘s character, Maggie, retorts sharply, Maybe it’s around the same time your generation started making sweeping generalizations about ours?

Tensions rise as the trailer suggests both Hank and Maggie develop an obsession with Roberts’ character. The situation intensifies when Maggie visits the professor, disheveled, to reveal Hank’s alleged sexual assault. Hank, however, accuses her of academic dishonesty. The trailer culminates in a heated exchange highlighting racial dynamics within the scandal, with Maggie remarking, It’s just like, amazing to me that a young Black woman can get assaulted and all these white people find a way to make it about themselves.

The film’s exploration of accusation and its societal impact echoes recent discussions on campus safety and the handling of sexual misconduct allegations, a topic that continues to resonate globally. A 2023 report indicated that over 13% of students surveyed had experienced sexual assault or unwanted sexual touching, highlighting the persistent relevance of such themes in society (Campus Safety Report).

Release Details

Luca Guadagnino produced the film alongside Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody, and Allan Mandelbaum. Nora Garrett, Karen Lunder, Justin Wilkes, and Alice Dawson served as executive producers.

“After the Hunt” is slated for release in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on October 10th, with a wider release planned for October 17th.