Julia Roberts’ After the Hunt sparks #MeToo discussion at Venice Film Festival

Julia Roberts and director Luca Guadagnino faced questions about feminism and #MeToo at a Venice Film Festival news conference on Friday for their film After the Hunt.

The movie, set in academia, follows a philosophy professor (Roberts) whose colleague is accused of misconduct by her mentee (Ayo Edebiri). The screenplay by Nora Garrett avoids easy answers, sparking debate about its stance on feminist issues. Roberts said the film does not pit women against each other, adding it aims to provoke discussion and reflection. Guadagnino described it as exploring “clash of truths” rather than promoting any manifesto.

After the Hunt screened for press Thursday and premieres publicly Friday. Roberts emphasized the film encourages conversation, capturing characters in complex, self-deceptive moments.

The film, releasing in North America on Oct. 10, uses a Windsor-style font for its opening credits, a nod to Woody Allen’s 1985–1991 films, which Guadagnino said reflects on the responsibilities of working with an artist one admires.

Not in the main competition, the film won’t compete for awards on Sept. 6. Roberts and Guadagnino are familiar faces at Venice, with past films and premieres, though this is Roberts’ first visit.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival continues with major upcoming premieres including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, and Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite.