I initially figured this might resemble “Tár” (2023), given its setting among academics and the premise of a student making an unsupported claim against a professor—you know how these things can go. However, that didn't pan out, as it seems determined to sidestep any real exploration of the intriguing issues it brings up. The well-regarded professor “Alma” (Julia Roberts) is pursuing tenure, has an unusual arrangement with psychiatrist “Frederik” (Michael Stuhlbarg), and maintains a very physical connection with fellow instructor “Hank” (Andrew Garfield). She also has a student named “Maggie” (Ayo Edebiri). This young woman comes from considerable wealth, shares a living space with her lesbian law student girlfriend “Alex” (Lio Mehiel), and it’s she who makes an accusation that leads to “Hank’s” abrupt removal. As you might expect, she seeks emotional support from “Alma,” but that woman is wrestling with conflicting feelings. She acknowledges that “Hank” isn't without flaws, but could he truly be guilty? There’s also a sense that “Maggie” has some sort of attachment to her. Is this perhaps a tactic for gaining attention? Given her privileged background, has she simply experienced years of emotionally distant parenting? These questions are raised, certainly, but if you're hoping for resolutions, the film doesn’t provide them. The slow and weighty progression toward what constitutes its ending was, in my opinion, entirely unsatisfying and seemed to disregard the impact and destruction caused by a single accusation and the resulting gossip and speculation. In fact, that central question of guilt or innocence is quickly and almost completely disregarded so the story can move on to something that I ultimately found carelessly dull, with uninspired performances from both Roberts and Edebiri. Is it an anxious plea for assistance, recognition, or simply a fundamentally unfinished piece? I’m leaning toward the latter. It attempts to critique the condescension of the elite social circles, but doesn't do much to address the concept of justice.

Source on TMDB