It always takes a special touch to be able to successfully rebrand such a well-known story and Nia DaCosta turns this tale on its head. She dives deeper into each character and changes the story to make it fit the modern world, even while it takes place amidst the 20th century.
We have all seen films that begin with the end and it helps pave the way for the creation of the world. In DaCosta’s rendition of Hedda, audiences are introduced to the character as she is interviewed at the end of this insane party, after the treacherous event occurs. As Hedda (Tessa Thompson) is questioned by the authorities, audiences are brought back to the beginning of the story. Right then is when all the magic begins, we are transported into a world of grandiose, of treachery, of mischief, a party of the rich and prosperous. Starring alongside Thompson are fellow talented actors Tom Bateman, Imogen Poots, Nina Hoss. and Nicholas Pinnock who bring the house down, perhaps almost literally.
As we dive deeper into Hedda’s world it becomes apparent that she is not happy as the house wife she currently is, and this quiet life is slowly suffocating her. Alongside her husband, George (Bateman), the two host a marvellous party where all their friends and his colleagues gather. While believing the night will go off without a hitch, things change when Thea (Poots) arrives in a frenzy over the great Eileen (Hoss). Worried about her past catching up with her, Hedda’s long-hidden desires come to the surface and tensions arise. When Hedda gets forced into a corner, the decisions she makes will pull everyone, including herself, into a hysteria filled with manipulation, passion, and betrayal.
It is the simplicity of the camera that helps set the scene and introduce the characters in this intense world. It’s jazzy, it’s filled with sound, each beat follows the characters’ steps as we walk into the night’s festivities. DaCosta’s vision comes to life as she works with cinematographer Sean Bobbitt to keep us at a proper distance from Hedda and company, before bringing us deeper within at the right moments. Hedda and others are hidden from direct view of the camera either through windows, doors, reflections or even with objects in view. This idea of hiding them makes it seem like, to the audience, they have something to conceal. A brilliant element to include in filmmaking when you know you want to add a layer of mystery not only to the scene itself but also to the characters. The camera has the perfect level of push and pull zooms as well. Then when combined with the brilliant jazzy score, we are further transported into the film.
Many know the story of Hedda Gabbler. Written in 1890 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, Hedda has undergone many iterations with a number of different actresses, directors and re-writers. Though she was created almost 150 years ago, she still keeps her relevance today and those who find a passion in her story are able to change it to what they believe it needs and deserves to be told. In the original story, while Hedda feels trapped in her marriage with the dull scholar, the ex-lover she uses to manipulate her current husband is a man. DaCosta switches things in her rendition and changes Euler Løvborg (the ex-lover) to a woman with Eileen. Not only does this change how Hedda is seen by those around her, but it alters the stakes for George and his career when Eileen comes crashing in trying to become a professor at the same institution.
DaCosta crafts this story around five parts. As the film moves on from one part to the next, audiences are brought deeper into dark territory. Each element of the movie becomes more intense and Hedda’s web of lies becomes more complex with each weave. Those familiar with the story of Hedda Gabbler may think they know where the plot will proceed, but DaCosta’s tale constantly changes viewers’ expectations and transforms the results. Even by the very end you may not know what entirely happened or who got away with what.
Many actors have portrayed the characters in Hedda Gabbler’s world, including Nina Hoss herself as the titular Hedda. In DaCosta’s rendition, Hoss plays Hedda’s ex-lover and brings thrill with another queer role for her filmography. Opposite a previous Hedda, Thompson brings such grandiose to her portrayal of Hedda. There is a presence and command there that comes from the character herself but also the way in which Thompson carries her through each scene. From their first moments on screen together, there’s both sexual and aggressive tension between Hedda and Eileen. There is compassion and trickery in each character and you wonder who the real influencer is in their relationship. Hoss took charge in her role as Eileen, and with experience playing a queer woman in the past, the knowledge of how a character acts further brings the audience deep into her emotions. Thompson’s Hedda is allusive and mysterious, just as you would expect her to be. Though Thompson and Hoss command the film, there is room for the other actors to shine and enlighten the film as a whole with magic and mystery.
There’s cleverness in both the script and what the actors choose to do with it. Sexual tensions, anger and jealousy are all portrayed with a collaboration between music, camera and actor. Hedda is filled with drama as clever hints are dropped throughout the film to tease with the audience. Hedda is a woman who lives for control, she is constantly stirring the pot. They might be living in the 20th century, but the “man of the house” is the woman. “Hedda Gabbler doesn’t love anyone except for herself, and Hedda Desmond doesn’t exist” is what Eileen reminds George. She lives for destruction, turmoil and drama and she does what she needs to do to get just that.
There are many intricate details hidden within Hedda and DaCosta asks her audience to be on the lookout. It is a film in which, if you want to learn more about the character(s) you will need to watch it more than once. Hedda had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday September 7, 2025. It now heads to BFI’s London Film Festival on Sunday October 12, 2025 before making its way to Amazon Prime Video on October 29, 2025. If you’re a fan of the dark and twisted, the story of Hedda Gabbler, or of films with a hint of queerness in them, be sure to watch Nia DaCosta’s Hedda as soon as you get the chance.
Share your thoughts!
Be the first to start the conversation.