Nia DaCosta’s Hedda Gabler Adaptation premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, showcasing a gripping reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play set in the 1950s. This modern retelling explores the complex life of Hedda, played by Tessa Thompson, as a Black woman entangled in a suffocating marriage and social expectations.
A Bold Reinterpretation of a Classic Narrative
DaCosta’s film moves the original nineteenth-century storyline of Hedda Gabler into the mid-twentieth century, placing the protagonist within the imposing confines of a 1950s mega-mansion. Hedda’s marriage to an academic engaged in securing a professorship, supported by a wealthy judge, lays the foundation for a tense atmosphere of boredom and underlying unrest. Despite this seemingly secure life, Hedda craves excitement that pushes her toward manipulation and emotional games with the guests at her lavish parties.
The adaptation is notable for its deliberate gender and race changes, bringing fresh perspectives to the characters and story. Hedda’s disenchantment extends beyond marital monotony, intersecting with racial and sexual barriers that confine her. Her magnetic persona defies these limits as she uses both seduction and cruelty to control those around her, making the audience simultaneously repelled and intrigued by her actions.
Intense Drama Unfolds Over One Tense Night
Stylistically, DaCosta narrows the story’s focus to a single night, which injects a rapid, taut rhythm to the unfolding drama. The narrative structure begins near its climax with Hedda recounting a shooting, then rewinds to preparations for the party where tension steadily builds. The presence of firearms, inherited from Hedda’s father, escalates the stakes, as suspicion and danger permeate the gathering. The audience is left guessing who will pull the trigger as Hedda’s sharp tongue and provocative behavior set multiple conflicts in motion.
Tessa Thompson’s Captivating Portrayal of Hedda
Thompson’s performance stands out as a key strength of the film, embodying Hedda’s complexity with a blend of allure and menace. Her portrayal captures the character’s volatility and charm, offering moments of dark humor amid the escalating tension. Thompson’s ability to balance Hedda’s manipulative tendencies with glimpses of vulnerability deepens the audience’s investment, making an otherwise difficult protagonist compelling and relatable.
The Film’s Setting Amplifies the Central Conflict
The lavish mansion serves as more than just a backdrop; it symbolizes Hedda’s confined existence. Despite its grandeur, the house feels claustrophobic, mirroring Hedda’s internal struggle with societal expectations and personal desires. DaCosta uses this setting effectively to heighten the dramatic tension, illustrating how Hedda manipulates her surroundings to assert control and provoke chaos within this restrictive environment.
Timeless Themes Captured Through a Contemporary Lens
By transplanting Hedda Gabler into the twentieth century, DaCosta emphasizes the enduring nature of themes such as repression, power, and identity. The film highlights how Hedda’s frustrations and destructive impulses resonate beyond their original context, making her story relevant for modern audiences. This adaptation underscores the universality of Ibsen’s work while refreshing it through thoughtful choices in casting, setting, and narrative focus.
Hedda was featured at the Toronto International Film Festival and is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on October 22, followed by streaming availability on Prime Video beginning October 29.
