Julia Roberts Shines in Guadagnino’s ‘After the Hunt’

NEW YORK, NY — Julia Roberts stars in Luca Guadagnino‘s psychological thriller “After the Hunt,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The film follows Roberts’ character, Yale professor Alma Imhoff, who faces a moral dilemma when a star pupil accuses another faculty member of sexual assault.

The tension rises as Alma navigates the conflicting loyalties between the accusing student, Maggie Price (Ayo Edebiri), and the accused faculty member, Hank (Andrew Garfield). The movie, rich with sharp dialogue and intricate performances, also showcases stylish costumes designed by Giulia Piersanti.

Piersanti’s costume design reflects the power dynamics at play within the film. Alma’s wardrobe, made up of tailored cream-colored pieces from luxury brands, stands in contrast to the more casual attire worn by her husband (Michael Stuhlbarg) and colleague (Chloë Sevigny). Each outfit is intentionally chosen to emphasize the character’s status and psychological depth.

Piersanti explained her design choices, stating, “If you notice the women in the film, they all wear very similar items: blazers and button downs, but Alma is the chicer contemporary version, while Maggie wears a younger version of her looks.” This style exchange hints at the complex relationship between Alma and Maggie.

The Italian-born designer has an impressive background, working with notable fashion houses like Celine, where she currently serves as head of knitwear. Her collaboration with Guadagnino began with 2015’s “A Bigger Splash,” which cemented her role as a distinguished costume designer in the film industry.

As the film explores themes of power dynamics in a post-#MeToo era, Piersanti’s costumes play a vital role in expressing each character’s struggles. “We wanted to express higher bourgeoisie chic with an edge,” she noted, referring to the rigid fabrics and angular silhouettes used throughout the film.

Guadagnino and Piersanti’s partnership continues to evolve with each project, reflecting their mutual understanding of storytelling through clothing. “Fashion is about the future, while films often explore the past or present,” Piersanti remarked, indicating the distinct yet interconnected nature of her dual roles as a designer.

In “After the Hunt,” the meticulous costume design elevates the narrative, allowing for a deeper understanding of character motivations and aspirations. By intertwining visual storytelling with contemporary themes, Guadagnino and Piersanti have crafted a film that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.