Luca Guadagnino’s psychological thriller After the Hunt debuted as the opening film of the New York Film Festival on September 26. The film stars Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri, who attracted attention not only for her role but also for a recent viral exchange involving an Italian journalist. During the Q&A panel at the screening, the actress addressed questions about the cultural relevance of the movie amid movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, which sparked widespread social media debate.
Ayo Edebiri Reflects on Viral Interaction with Journalist
At the NYFF event, a fan asked Edebiri, aged 29, if she was aware of the viral nature of her interaction with the Italian journalist who appeared to exclude her from responding to a controversial question about the movie’s reception. Edebiri admitted to being less active on social media these days.
“I think I’m less online than I used to be,”
Edebiri said amid applause.
So I didn’t really to be completely honest. And I love to lie! I make money lying! But I didn’t really pay too much attention but I think it was just a very human moment and think in a strange way uncomfortable conversation is one of the many things our film is about. So shout out to tie-ins!
Plot and Themes Explored in After the Hunt
Scheduled for release on October 10, After the Hunt revolves around Alma, a Yale professor played by Julia Roberts, who is forced to reevaluate her life choices when a student, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, accuses another professor, Andrew Garfield’s character, of a serious crime. The film delves into complex themes of power, morality, and personal struggle.
Screenwriter Nora Garrett shed light on the story’s development during the press conference, stating that it originated with Alma’s character.
“The genesis of the screenplay really started with the character of Alma, played by Julia Roberts,”
Garrett said.
I was really interested in her internal struggle, this idea of becoming a very outwardly successful person, becoming someone who was looking for power, chasing power, but had this sort of internal compartmentalization based on a certain amount of shame from childhood or from a place when you had a certain amount of deniability about the person you were and the person you would become. The story kind of grew around that.
Andrew Garfield’s Perspective on His Complicated Role
During the panel, Andrew Garfield discussed the challenging nature of portraying Hank, a morally ambiguous character who grapples with issues of likability and societal expectations. Garfield emphasized the need for balance between the darker themes of the movie and the sense of community among the cast during filming.
“I think when you’re working with material that is exploring the darker parts of our own collective humanity that we tend to want to avoid looking at, we need as much levity and brightness and community and togetherness as possible,”
Garfield explained.
…For the character I play, Hank, I think he’s acutely aware of the concept of likability, the concept of being what it means to be likable, and what the culture requires of one to be likable. And I think he enjoys playing with his own relationship to that, [and] how other people relate to him.
Why Edebiri’s Response Resonated Amid Current Social Movements
The viral exchange with the Italian journalist highlighted ongoing tensions about representation and the place of movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo in contemporary discourse. Edebiri’s composed and candid reaction underscored the film’s engagement with difficult social conversations. The film itself invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about power dynamics and personal histories.
Her remarks at the New York Film Festival also reflect a cautious but genuine engagement with the public discourse surrounding the movie, alluding to the continuing relevance of these issues despite suggestions that such movements have concluded. This awareness adds to the film’s impact and sparks discussion about cultural narratives in today’s world.
Looking Ahead: After the Hunt’s Expected Influence
As After the Hunt approaches its official release, the film is poised to stimulate conversations about morality, accountability, and human complexity. With a cast that includes prominent talents like Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri, it promises to reach diverse audiences and provoke thoughtful dialogue. The reception at NYFF and the viral attention surrounding Edebiri’s response suggest that both the movie and its themes will remain part of a wider cultural conversation going forward.
