The 2025 film Hedda brings a daring twist to Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. Directed and written by Nia DaCosta, this reimagining turns the century-old story into a haunting, stylish drama filled with tension and desire.
Starring Tessa Thompson as Hedda, the movie follows one charged night in which old passions, buried secrets, and dangerous power plays come to light. Hedda, trapped in a life that feels too small for her ambitions, begins to test the boundaries of everyone around her. In doing so, she sets off a chain of emotional explosions that no one can control.
A Fresh and Fearless Reimagining
DaCosta’s vision is bold. She gives the classic a modern pulse, reshaping the story’s dynamics and themes for a new generation. The movie swaps Ibsen’s 19th-century setting for a stylized 1950s England, adding glamour and restraint that heighten the drama.
The film also explores identity, freedom, and control from a fresh perspective. In this version, gender and power take on new meanings. Hedda’s struggle is not just with the world around her but with herself, her desires, her fears, and her hunger for purpose.
The visual storytelling adds depth. Sean Bobbitt’s cinematography captures a world that looks perfect but feels suffocating. The haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir makes every silence feel heavy with emotion.
A Stellar Cast and Strong Performances
Alongside Tessa Thompson, Hedda features a talented cast including Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss. Each actor brings quiet strength and complexity to their roles, creating a gripping ensemble performance.
Thompson shines as Hedda, proud, restless, and unpredictable. Her performance has earned praise from early reviews, many calling it one of her most daring roles yet.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Hedda premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, 2025, earning a standing ovation. It opens in selected U.S. theaters on October 22, 2025.
For those waiting to stream it, the film debuts on Amazon Prime Video on October 29, 2025.
