Nia DaCosta Reimagines Ibsen's Hedda with Female, Queer Perspective in 1954 England

Nia DaCosta's film "Hedda" is a modern, queer reinterpretation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play "Hedda Gabler," set in 1950s England and featuring a biracial, bisexual protagonist played by Tessa Thompson. The film subverts traditional gender, racial, and sexual dynamics by gender-swapping the character Eilert Lövborg into Eileen, portrayed by Nina Hoss, and reimagining the story’s emotional and social tensions with fresh perspectives. DaCosta, who previously directed successful films like "Candyman" and "The Marvels," sees "Hedda" as a personal and creative project that allowed her to fully engage with the text and actors, emphasizing themes of freedom, repression, and identity. The film showcases a lavish, intense atmosphere with a distinctive musical score by Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir and visually immersive cinematography by Sean Bobbitt. Thompson’s portrayal of Hedda captures the character’s mercurial and ferocious nature, while DaCosta’s adaptation reflects her ongoing commitment to bringing classical works to life through her unique lens. The project also highlights DaCosta's navigation of Hollywood's spaces and her dedication to storytelling that challenges conventions.