Julia Roberts Says “After the Hunt” Role Is ‘Opposite’ of Her Real-Life ‘Very Hen-Like Personality’

Julia Roberts Opens Up About Playing Against Type in New Movie ‘After the Hunt’

Acclaimed actress Julia Roberts recently highlighted the challenges of portraying a character that differs greatly from her own personality in her upcoming film “After the Hunt”. Roberts, known for her warm and nurturing persona, shared in a candid interview that tackling the role was a departure from her usual instincts.

In this university-set drama, Roberts steps into the shoes of a college professor named Alma, who grapples with a complex situation involving an assault allegation against one of her colleagues. The actress revealed that embodying Alma, a character with a steely resolve and a lack of sympathetic traits, was a mentally demanding experience for her.

Acknowledging her own nurturing nature, Roberts expressed, “I have a very hen-like personality; I want to gather, and I want to feed and care. And she’s just the opposite of every instinct I’ve ever had in my life.” The contrast between Roberts’ real-life disposition and the character she portrays added layers of depth to her performance.

Roberts credited director Luca Guadagnino for guiding her through the challenges of the role, ensuring she maintained the necessary emotional distance. She also praised her co-star Michael Stuhlbarg, highlighting the unexpected and original approach he brought to their shared scenes in the film.

“After the Hunt” made its debut at the Venice International Film Festival, where Roberts faced questions about the movie’s exploration of sensitive themes such as sexual misconduct on college campuses. The actress expressed her hope that the film would provoke a range of emotions and perspectives among viewers, sparking meaningful discussions.

Through her portrayal of Alma, Roberts delves into complex emotional territory, shedding light on the complexities of navigating challenging situations with resilience and strength. The film’s exploration of timely issues resonates in a post-#MeToo world, where conversations around consent and accountability continue to be significant.

As Roberts immerses herself in this transformative role, audiences can anticipate a powerful and thought-provoking performance that showcases her versatility as an actor. “After the Hunt,” also starring Andrew Garfield and Chloë Sevigny, promises to be a compelling cinematic experience that invites reflection and dialogue on important social themes.

With her commitment to authenticity and emotional depth, Julia Roberts’ portrayal in “After the Hunt” offers a glimpse into the intricacies of human behaviour and the complexities of moral dilemmas. As the film hits theatres on October 10, audiences can look forward to a captivating narrative that challenges perceptions and sparks meaningful conversations.