Director Luca Guadagnino Explains the Intentional Ambiguity of the “After the Hunt” Ending

A major new film leaves its central mystery unresolved. Director Luca Guadagnino deliberately crafted the finale of After the Hunt to be open to interpretation. The movie is now showing in theaters worldwide.

This choice forces audiences to grapple with the film’s core question of truth. It centers on a sexual assault allegation with no easy answers. Guadagnino recently explained his reasoning in an interview.

Audience Must Decide the Truth for Themselves

The plot involves student Maggie, played by Ayo Edebiri. She accuses her professor, Hank, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, of assault. The alleged event occurred after a party hosted by another professor, Alma.

Alma, played by Julia Roberts, struggles to believe Maggie’s story. Her own past involves lying about an assault as a teenager. This personal history clouds her judgment of the current situation.

Guadagnino refuses to give a definitive answer. He told Entertainment Weekly the truth is for the audience to find. He believes preemptively deciding the facts would undermine the viewer’s experience.

A Story of Moral Ruins and Unsettled Questions

The director views the ending as a moment after the emotional storm. He describes a blanket of snow putting things to rest. Yet he questions what remains after the “hunt” for truth concludes.

He wonders if the final scene shows reconciliation or just new acting. It might be a new performance for both women. The possibility that “they are still into the hunt” lingers.

Andrew Garfield also keeps his character’s truth private. He told EW he has his own ideas about Hank’s involvement. He decided it was better not to share his interpretation publicly.

The After the Hunt ending is designed to provoke discussion and personal reflection. Director Luca Guadagnino’s ambiguity challenges viewers to sit with uncomfortable uncertainty. This deliberate lack of resolution makes the film a potent conversation starter about truth and perception.

Info at your fingertips

What is *After the Hunt* about?

It is a drama about a college student who accuses her professor of sexual assault. Another professor, with a history of lying about assault, must decide who to believe. The film explores themes of truth, trust, and moral ambiguity.

Does the movie reveal if the assault really happened?

No, the film does not provide a definitive answer. Director Luca Guadagnino intentionally left the ending open to interpretation. The audience is tasked with deciding what they believe occurred.

What did the director say about the ending?

Luca Guadagnino said the answer is “in the eyes of the audience.” He did not want to preemptively decide the truth for viewers. He described the finale as a moment after the “hunt,” with wounds potentially healing.

Who are the main stars of the film?

The film stars Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri. Roberts plays Professor Alma, Garfield plays Professor Hank, and Edebiri plays student Maggie. Their performances anchor the complex narrative.

Why is Alma unsure about Maggie’s story?

Alma lied about being sexually assaulted when she was 15 years old. She made the false allegation after a boyfriend broke up with her. This past makes her question the validity of Maggie’s accusation in the present.