Andrew Garfield Addresses Divisive Reactions to After The Hunt

Andrew Garfield has spoken out on the surprising reactions to his new film, After The Huntand one of his most divisive roles.

Alongside co-star Ayo Edebiri, Garfield spoke with Radio Times regarding the mixed reaction to Luca Guadagnino’s (known for Challengers and Call Me by Your Name) new movie, After The Hunt. In the interview, Garfield states:

“Sometimes, as a creative person, or as a person that’s putting work into the world for people to have opinions about, there’s a kind of seduction, or a kind of temptation to want just a consensus. And obviously, for that consensus to be great, like ‘people just like the thing that I’m doing’.”

After The Hunt was released on October 17 and is a psychological drama focusing on a college professor, Alma (played by Julia Roberts), who is forced to choose between her personal and professional lives when a student Maggie (played by Edebiri) makes an accusation against her colleague Henrik (played by Garfield).

Garfield is taking the criticism of his latest movie on the chin and even said it’s “liberating.” He continued by adding, “‘Oh, everyone is just having their own very subjective response to this piece of work.’ And suddenly that becomes the story, in a way, and that becomes maybe more – I don’t know – growthful or invigorating or challenging.”

Guadagnino’s new movie debuted with a disappointing 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been widely criticized for being too “slow“and too”full of himself“. The film isn’t performing well in theaters and has only raked in just below $2 million worldwide since releasing despite having a star-studded cast and an equally celebrated director at the helm.

After The Hunt promised to be another film that provided emotional complexity and lavish visuals, but according to critics, fell short by every measure. However, that isn’t stopping Garfield from being delighted by the divide of opinion and Edebiri praised the director as she’s “learned so much“from the experience.

Garfield is known for his roles in The Amazing Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridgeand We Live in Time. He is currently working on a few new projects, including The Uprising and another Guadagnino film Artificial. Edebiri is known for her major role in The Bearwhich has propelled the actress as one to watch.

This movie’s reviews have also put a dent in an otherwise near perfect RT streak for Garfield following a long list of well performing movies. However, his new role appears to have left a positive impression on the actor and is already leading the way for future roles with Guadagnino.

After the Hunt is currently playing in theaters.

Release Date

October 10, 2025

Director

Luca Guadagnino

Writers

Nora Garrett

Producers

Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody, Allan Mandelbaum