Tessa Thompson’s dark and twisted thriller Hedda is a must-see on Prime Video – our 5-star review

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It’s immediately clear that Hedda is something different. Any initial annoyance at the typical opening flashback quickly disappears the moment Tessa Thompson begins to speak.

The way she speaks—calm and relaxed—seems strangely out of place given the serious trouble she’s in with the police. As Hedda Gabler, she’s captivating, pulling the audience in with her powerful gaze, cool demeanor, and a hidden, restless energy.

Okay, so this movie is seriously worth checking out, and honestly, the lead actress is a huge reason why. But it’s not just her – the whole thing is just really well done. The director, Nia DaCosta, didn’t just update the story’s location – moving it from a stuffy living room to a bigger party setting like they did in the original play – she really breathed new life into everything. It’s a fantastic adaptation.

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DaCosta has built a wonderfully detailed and immersive world focused on women, and this influences every aspect of the film – from the costumes and sets to the lighting and the dynamic soundtrack. The music, filled with driving rhythms and subtle chimes, is intentionally designed to create a feeling of both excitement and unease, which perfectly matches the story’s challenging and thought-provoking nature.

Hedda, a recent bride, is falling apart beneath a cheerful exterior. She throws herself into hosting a party at her country home, appearing lively and engaging while secretly causing chaos and manipulating those around her.

Thompson delivers a flawless performance, skillfully portraying the many layers of emotion in her energetic portrayal of the character. She expertly navigates Hedda’s fragility, spitefulness, sadness, and remorse, ultimately driving her to try and ruin the life of her former lover, Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss).

Hedda is a vibrant and captivating person, but she’s also incredibly fragile and could easily fall apart. At any moment, she might either thrive or self-destruct. Director DaCosta’s choice to make Hedda’s former lover a woman, instead of a man as in the original play, deepens the story’s exploration of how women struggle to find control over their own lives and pursue their own goals.

The story is told through the eyes of three women: Hedda, writer Eileen, and her new partner, Thea (Imogen Poots). Hedda feels intensely jealous of Thea. Each woman is striving to define herself independently in a world controlled by men, and this leads to conflict and competition as they pursue their own identities, often at each other’s expense, particularly fueled by Hedda’s actions.

Hoss portrays Eileen as a character with dramatic mood swings. While not as intense as Hedda, these shifts—triggered by love or temptation—add depth and vibrancy to the film. In contrast, Poots plays Thea with a gentle touch, but beneath the surface lies a quiet, unwavering strength and a determination to be heard.

Each character in DaCosta’s film expresses themselves through what they wear. Eileen uses traditionally masculine clothing to project power while still maintaining her femininity. Hedda’s glamorous outfit, though striking, feels confining. Thea, on the other hand, is overwhelmed by her large dress—Poots described the look as messy and awkward—but she strives to maintain her composure.

Interestingly, though the play centers on women striving for power, the male characters – Hedda’s husband, George Tesman, and her lover, Judge Brack – are surprisingly insecure. This insecurity partly comes from their inability to control Hedda. The way they each deal with these feelings has significant and damaging consequences as the story unfolds.

DaCosta skillfully blends Hedda’s experience with racial prejudice into the already existing story of a woman fighting for independence. This adds a powerful new dimension to the classic tale of Hedda Gabler by reimagining the character’s race.

Wow, “Hedda” just really gets to me. It feels like it’s built from all these broken people, everyone carrying around old heartaches and trying to figure out who they even are. They keep trying to build a good life, but they stumble and have to start over, and it’s so raw and real. And Hedda? She’s right in the middle of all that drama, just watching everything unfold and subtly messing with everyone’s feelings. It’s like she’s stirring up a big emotional stew, and honestly, it’s completely captivating. You can’t look away!

Hedda is available to watch now on Prime Video.

Okay, gamers, listen up! The latest issue of Living Legends just dropped, and I grabbed my copy! It’s got Ariana & Witches on the cover, and you can find it at all good newsagents or online for only £8.99. Definitely worth checking out!

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2025-10-29 10:20