After the Hunt Director Clarifies: It’s Not a #MeToo Movie

Director Luca Guadagnino’s new film, *After the Hunt*, has sparked considerable debate regarding its classification as a #MeToo movie. The film features Julia Roberts as a college professor confronting a sexual assault claim made by a student, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, against another professor played by Andrew Garfield. This scenario raises important questions about the complexities surrounding sexual assault and its repercussions.

Controversies Around Classification as a #MeToo Movie

Guadagnino has expressed dissatisfaction with labeling *After the Hunt* as a #MeToo film, calling it a “lazy way to describe it.” This statement has led to varied opinions among critics. Some argue that the film indeed addresses themes central to the #MeToo movement, while others believe it fails to engage deeply with these issues.

Critical Responses and Perspectives

The movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where initial reactions were mixed. Critics Hoai-Tran Bui, Reanna Cruz, and Jackson Weaver shared their thoughts during a discussion on the program *Commotion*.

• Hoai-Tran Bui: Expressed disappointment, feeling that the film’s dialogue is overly academic and lacks substance, leaving characters feeling like archetypes rather than fully realized individuals.
• Reanna Cruz: Disagreed with the claim that it isn’t a #MeToo movie, suggesting it may have been marketed that way to attract audiences. She feels the film lacks depth and fails to resonate with broader themes.
• Jackson Weaver: Argued that despite Guadagnino’s intentions, the film’s narrative parallels the #MeToo movement. He emphasized that it doesn’t take a strong political stance, marking it different from other films that engage more critically with these themes.

Exploring the Themes of Self-Interest and Morality

*After the Hunt* not only portrays a specific incident but also examines the underlying human motivations involved. Critics noted that the film explores the self-serving nature of individuals within a moral framework, making it more about personal agendas than activism related to the #MeToo movement.

As audiences anticipate the film’s wider release, the conversations surrounding its themes and the director’s conception promise ongoing intrigue and discussion. For a deeper analysis, listeners can tune into the full discussion of *After the Hunt* on El-Balad’s *Commotion* with Elamin Abdelmahmoud.