Tessa Thompson Leads With Power in HEDDA
Tessa Thompson takes on one of her strongest roles yet in HEDDA, a daring reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. Directed and written by Nia DaCosta, the film makes its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7.
After TIFF, HEDDA will reach select theaters on October 22 and stream globally on Prime Video from October 29. The project marks a defining moment for Thompson, showing her ability to command roles that test emotional limits and creative depth.
Nia DaCosta’s Vision for a Classic Story
Nia DaCosta reshapes Hedda Gabler with bold creativity. She sets the story in 1954, providing a vivid period backdrop. Yet she infuses it with modern energy, allowing the film to feel both urgent and timeless.
Her version explores womanhood, desire, and consequence with fresh intensity. What was once a classic stage play now becomes a cinematic portrait of longing, betrayal, and the heavy cost of choices.
A Complex Role for Tessa Thompson
Thompson steps into the role of Hedda, a newlywed caught in the life she no longer desires. She wrestles with the emptiness of her present and the ache of a past love that refuses to fade.
Across one stormy night, buried emotions erupt. Secrets surface, passions collide, and Hedda drags those around her into a whirlwind of manipulation and heartbreak. Thompson grounds the chaos with a performance full of control, depth, and raw emotion.
A Cast and Team That Elevates the Story
HEDDA features a strong ensemble that supports Thompson’s commanding presence. Nicholas Pinnock, Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots, and Tom Bateman add texture and tension to the unfolding drama. Their layered performances bring sharp edges to DaCosta’s vision.
Behind the scenes, Oscar-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir shapes the haunting score. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt adds striking visuals that match the story’s emotional weight. Together, they create a film that feels both cinematic and intimate.
A Reinvention for a New Generation
Produced by Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Gabrielle Nadig, DaCosta, and Thompson herself, HEDDA is more than a remake. It is both a tribute to a timeless story and a reinvention with new urgency.
By reclaiming Hedda for modern audiences, the film sparks reflection on power, identity, and the consequences of longing. HEDDA is not just a performance showcase—it is a bold retelling designed to stay with viewers long after the credits.
