Julia Roberts, the renowned Hollywood actress, after nearly 25 years, has another chance to return to the Oscars spotlight. This time she stars in the psychological drama After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino, which depicts a challenging story about a sexual assault accusation at Yale University. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, receiving mixed reviews, but Roberts’ performance has been highly praised by many critics.
Summary of “After the Hunt“
The film tells the story of Alma Olson, a philosophy professor at Yale University, whose life is shaken by a sexual assault accusation against one of her longtime colleagues. A student named Maggie, one of her favorite pupils, makes the accusation, and the story gradually unfolds, revealing the complexities of relationships and moral contradictions through multiple perspectives. Other key roles in the film are played by Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri.
Critical Reception
The film has faced diverse critiques. Some critics, such as Damon Wise from Deadline, described Julia Roberts‘ performance as “astonishing” and called it one of her best since Erin Brockovich in 2000. However, some others criticized the story and the university setting dialogue as shallow and lacking the necessary boldness. Nevertheless, Roberts’ performance and the filmmaker’s efforts have been noticed and appreciated.
Julia Roberts as Alma Olson
Roberts plays a complex, multi-layered character who struggles with issues such as addiction to painkillers and psychological pressures, gradually confronting ethical contradictions and past rumors. She has said this role provides a great opportunity to show how people face intricate challenges shaping their lives. She also emphasized the importance of making films that provoke conversation and debate.
Expectations for the 2026 Oscars
Given Roberts’ prominent role in the film and the critical acclaim, her participation in the 2026 Oscar race is taken seriously. Luca Guadagnino, the director, known for earlier works like Call Me by Your Name, considers this film one of his best, and most cinema fans are eagerly waiting to see if Roberts can claim Oscar gold once again. After the Hunt is scheduled for limited United States release on October 10, 2025.
Conclusion
Julia Roberts has made a powerful return to acting with After the Hunt. The film, with its sensitive and provocative subject matter, has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Although the message carries some complexities, this is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about films of 2025, sparking important cultural conversations. It is also an opportunity for Roberts to potentially bring home her second Oscar and further cement her legacy in cinema history.
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