Julia Roberts Defends Controversial Film, Calls for Conversation

On August 29, 2025, acclaimed actress Julia Roberts attended the Venice International Film Festival to promote her latest film, 'After the Hunt.' Joined by her co-stars and the director, Roberts faced questions from a reporter who suggested the film "undermines feminist principles and undermines the feminist struggle" in a post-#MeToo era.

Roberts acknowledged the film may revive "old arguments," but argued it does not simply pit women against each other. Instead, she said the movie aims to "stir it all up" and encourage audiences to engage in meaningful conversations about their own beliefs and perspectives.

"The best part of your question is you talking about how you all came out of the theater talking about it, and that's how we wanted it to feel, that everybody comes out with all these different feelings and emotions and points of views and things that you realize what you believe in strongly," Roberts explained.

The actress compared 'After the Hunt' to the 1983 film 'Tender Mercies,' stating the camera simply "happened to document what was going on" rather than making a specific statement. Roberts emphasized the goal is to get people talking to each other, as she believes "we're kind of losing the art of conversation in humanity right now."