Tessa Thompson Stars in Nia DaCosta's Hedda Premiering Toronto, Streaming October

Nia DaCosta’s film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler stars Tessa Thompson as Hedda, a complex and conflicted protagonist navigating power, autonomy, and desire in 1954 mid-century England. The film modernizes the story by changing the gender of Hedda’s former lover to a woman, Eileen Lovborg, adding new dimensions to the character dynamics and themes of manipulation, passion, and betrayal. Set over the course of one charged night, the narrative follows Hedda as she orchestrates a lavish party that spirals into chaos, revealing her long-repressed desires and tensions. Featuring a supporting cast including Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss, the film is shot against the gothic backdrop of Flintham Hall with a 1950s aesthetic inspired by Dior, complemented by a score from Hildur Guðnadóttir. Hedda will premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, open in select U.S. theaters on October 22, and stream globally on Amazon Prime Video on October 29. DaCosta’s adaptation aims to offer a provocative and intimate exploration of Hedda’s psyche, going beyond previous versions by delving deeper into the character’s motivations and relationships.