Andrew Garfield has publicly responded to the unexpected reactions surrounding his latest film, After The Hunt, marking one of his most divisive roles to date. Speaking alongside co-star Ayo Edebiri, Garfield shared his thoughts in an interview with RadioTimes about the polarized opinions directed at Luca Guadagnino’s new psychological drama.
Garfield acknowledged the complex emotions that come with releasing creative work into the world, saying,
“Sometimes, as a creative person, or as a person that’s putting work into the world for people to have opinions about, there’s a kind of seduction, or a kind of temptation to want just a consensus. And obviously, for that consensus to be great, like ‘people just like the thing that I’m doing’.”
—Andrew Garfield, Actor
Plot and Reception of ‘After The Hunt’
Released on October 17, After The Hunt centers on Alma Olsson, a college professor portrayed by Julia Roberts, who faces a difficult choice between her private and professional life when a student named Maggie Price, played by Ayo Edebiri, accuses her colleague Henrik, Garfield’s character, of misconduct. The film explores themes of accusation, trust, and personal conflict within an academic setting.
Despite high expectations given Guadagnino’s reputation from films like Challengers and Call Me by Your Name, the movie struggled critically and commercially. Critics have described it as overly slow and self-indulgent, which contributed to its lukewarm 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Even with a notable cast and an acclaimed director, the film has earned less than $2 million worldwide since its theatrical release.
Garfield’s Perspective on the Film’s Divisiveness
Rather than being deterred by the harsh reviews, Andrew Garfield views the divided audience response as freeing. He remarked,
“Oh, everyone is just having their own very subjective response to this piece of work. And suddenly that becomes the story, in a way, and that becomes maybe more – I don’t know – growthful or invigorating or challenging.”
—Andrew Garfield, Actor
Co-star Ayo Edebiri, who has gained recognition for her role in The Bear, praised Guadagnino and emphasized the valuable lessons she has gained throughout the project, despite the film’s critical struggles.
Context on Garfield’s Career and Upcoming Projects
Andrew Garfield, widely known for acclaimed performances in The Amazing Spider-Man and Hacksaw Ridge, is experiencing an unusual deviation from his previously strong track record with After The Hunt. While the movie marks a challenging moment in his career, it has also opened doors for future collaborations, including continued work with Guadagnino on the forthcoming film Artificial and another project titled The Uprising.
Ayo Edebiri’s rising profile and Garfield’s commitment to ambitious roles suggest that both actors are navigating this period with resilience amid uncertain critical reception.
Current Screening and Audience Reactions
After The Hunt remains in theaters, offering viewers the chance to engage with its intense narrative and complex characters. Its controversial nature continues to spark discussions among audiences, reflecting the broader challenge artists face when their work divides opinion sharply. This role represents a significant moment for Garfield as he balances critical resistance with professional growth and future opportunities.
