In the new psychological thriller “After the Hunt” the actors Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri meet in a story of power, loyalty and blurred morality. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film follows a college professor and her protégé as an assault charge shatters their academic world and forces both women to confront uncomfortable truths.
Roberts plays a professor whose devoted student, played by Edebiri, accuses her closest confidant of misconduct. The film, which also stars Andrew Garfield, explores the fallout from the allegations as the characters compete for office and navigate shifting alliances.
Roberts told Gayle King on “CBS Mornings” that sparking conversation is the ultimate goal of art.
“You don't want anyone to walk away from that picture and just say, 'Hmm.' This is death,” Roberts said.
Edebiri agreed, saying the film sparks discussion and debate.
“I think you need to talk to someone else about this movie,” Edebiri said. “It’s like you need to find someone and make room for nuance, listening, discussion and even disagreement.”
When asked who she thought was telling the truth in the story, Roberts declined to answer.
“That’s for me to know,” she said, explaining that sharing her opinion would be a “disservice” because her point of view is not the “truth” or the “right” answer.
Roberts said she and Guadagnino were the first to receive the script. They both then targeted Edebiri.
“She was the next person we discussed, and she was the clear call we both heard,” Roberts said. “Luke said, you know, 'What do you think of Ayo Edebiri?' And I thought, “What’s not worth thinking about?” And thank God, I mean we would have been left in the lurch if Ayo hadn't agreed to do it because that's a very important part.”
There is an emotional scene in the film in which Edebiri's character slaps Roberts' character, and Edebiri admitted that she was nervous.
“Today is the day that I have to slap, like, God's gift to planet Earth,” she said, noting that Roberts is part of a “troika of non-Caribbean women” who she said some Caribbeans consider a “holy trinity” of icons, along with Princess Diana and Celine Dion.
“You just have to slap me,” Roberts remembers telling Edebiri. “I didn’t want Ayo to be in her head at that moment.”
When asked which of her own Edebiri films should be remade, Roberts suggested two of her classics.
“'My Best Friend's Wedding' because you're so funny and physical and wonderful,” she said. And August: Osage County.
“After the Hunt” is playing in select theaters.
