Julia Roberts Thriller ‘After the Hunt’ From Luca Guadagnino Sets Awards Season Release

Julia Roberts and Luca Guadagnino PRESLEY ANN/GETTY IMAGES; SUJIT JAISWAL/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

“A gripping psychological thriller

with an all-star cast primed for Oscar season.”

Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, After the Hunt, has officially secured a coveted awards-season release from Amazon MGM Studios. The psychological thriller, starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri, will debut in limited theatrical release on October 10 before expanding nationwide on October 17.

With this strategic rollout, After the Hunt positions itself as a major contender in the upcoming Oscar race, joining the ranks of other fall releases that traditionally dominate the conversation around Best Picture, acting, and screenplay categories. The film marks another ambitious directorial effort from Guadagnino, whose ability to weave intense emotional storytelling with atmospheric filmmaking has earned him widespread acclaim. Following his work on Call Me by Your Name, Suspiria, and Bones and All, After the Hunt sees him returning to the realm of psychological intrigue—this time within the corridors of academia.

The plot follows a respected college professor, played by Roberts, whose past resurfaces in unsettling ways after one of her students (Edebiri) accuses a fellow faculty member (Garfield) of misconduct. This premise suggests a layered exploration of power dynamics, moral ambiguity, and the clash between institutional loyalty and personal conscience. The script, penned by Nora Garrett, is expected to deliver tightly wound suspense, with characters navigating ethical minefields that mirror real-world social reckonings. Given the film’s themes, comparisons to TÁR (2022) and Doubt(2008) are inevitable, suggesting a blend of psychological complexity and searing drama that could make After the Hunt a standout in the fall slate.

Roberts, a longtime Hollywood heavyweight, has made a notable shift in recent years toward roles that emphasize dramatic intensity. Her performance in Netflix’s Leave the World Behind was widely praised, though the film itself remained polarizing. Here, she reunites with Amazon MGM in what could be her strongest shot at another Oscar nomination since Erin Brockovich (2000).

Alongside Roberts, Andrew Garfield’s role as the accused faculty member is expected to challenge perceptions of morality, offering a performance that could be as nuanced as it is unsettling. Garfield, an Oscar nominee for Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021), has continually demonstrated his range across biopics, musicals, and thrillers, making him a formidable contender this awards season.

Meanwhile, Ayo Edebiri’s meteoric rise in Hollywood—bolstered by her Emmy-winning turn in The Bear—could make After the Hunt her dramatic breakthrough in film. If her performance resonates with audiences and critics, she could find herself in the running for her first Oscar nomination. The supporting cast also boasts Michael Stuhlbarg (Call Me by Your Name, Boardwalk Empire) and Chloë Sevigny (Bones and All, Lizzie), both of whom bring gravitas to any ensemble. Their involvement further suggests After the Huntwill be a film steeped in tense, morally complex performances.

Amazon MGM’s decision to place After the Hunt in mid-October—a prime awards launchpad—indicates confidence in its Oscar potential. The film’s gradual theatrical expansion mirrors the successful release strategies of past contenders like Spotlight (2015) and The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), allowing it to build momentum as buzz grows.

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However, After the Hunt won’t be the only high-profile release vying for attention that weekend. Universal’s horror sequel The Black Phone 2 and Lionsgate’s Aziz Ansari-directed comedy Good Fortune, featuring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, will open wide on October 17. While neither film directly competes in the awards space, their box office draw could impact After the Hunt’s commercial prospects.

This film marks Guadagnino’s second consecutive project with Amazon MGM, following Challengers (2024), which starred Zendaya in a stylish tennis romance-thriller. Known for his keen eye for character-driven narratives that balance intimacy and grandeur, Guadagnino remains one of contemporary cinema’s most versatile and exciting filmmakers. With After the Hunt, he steps into an arena rich with thematic complexity, engaging with timely discussions around academia, justice, and the fraught nature of truth. If the film lives up to expectations, it could not only be a critical success but also a defining film in the discourse of 2025’s awards season.

After the Hunt has all the hallmarks of a prestige drama that could go the distance during Oscar season: a powerhouse lead performance from Julia Roberts, an acclaimed director at the helm, and a gripping, socially relevant narrative. As the fall festival circuit nears, anticipation will only grow for this high-stakes thriller.

Whether it becomes a breakout contender for Best Picture or serves as a platform for individual performances to shine, one thing is certain—After the Hunt is officially in the hunt for gold.

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