In a stunning return to form, Julia Roberts delivers an unforgettable performance in 'After the Hunt,' marking her best film role in over 20 years. It’s hard to believe that such a lengthy dry spell could exist for a star of her magnitude, but this film showcases the multi-dimensional range we’ve longed to see from her.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, 'After the Hunt' dives deep into the complexities of human nature and fraught campus politics in a post-#MeToo world. Roberts masterfully portrays Alma Imhoff, a Yale philosophy professor whose character oscillates between strength and fragility, victim and villain, intellectual and sensual. It’s a bold role that allows her to explore vulnerabilities that were previously masked in her illustrious career.

For those unfamiliar with her meteoric rise, Julia Roberts burst onto the scene in the early ’90s. At just 22, she was not only a nominee for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards but also a breakout star in the iconic film 'Pretty Woman,' which catapulted her to international fame and fortune. In a matter of days post-Oscars, she became a household name, proving that her radiant smile and innate charm could transform a lackluster script into a box office sensation.

Despite a few bumps along the road—such as her losses at both the Oscars for 'Pretty Woman' and later for 'August: Osage County'—Roberts always managed to bounce back, leaving audiences captivated with her performances in films like 'Ocean’s Eleven' and ‘Erin Brockovich,' the latter defining her career with its blend of comedy, drama, and genuine heart.

Yet, the past decade has seen fewer standout roles for Roberts, often relegating her to familiar, albeit less demanding, character arcs. In 'After the Hunt,' however, she showcases a compelling evolution as an actress. The film features Alma caught in a morally ambiguous situation amid a sexual assault controversy at her university, challenging her to confront her past and grapple with uncomfortable truths.

As critics note, the film invites comparisons to modern classic narratives that explore cancel culture and generational feminist dynamics. In this setting, Roberts fully embraces the layered complexities of her character, balancing her still-present warmth with a cautious, restrained demeanor. The risks her character faces mirror the very challenges that come with age and societal expectations.

With lines that provoke thought and discomfort, such as Alma’s warning to her younger counterpart that "not everything is supposed to make you comfortable," Roberts hints at a powerful transformation that not only reflects her character but also the shifting tides of Hollywood.

As 'After the Hunt' unfolds, it feels exhilarating to witness Julia Roberts delve into this darker palette of human emotions. As Hollywood and the Academy react, fans are left wondering how far she will go in this new chapter of her storied career.