Tessa Thompson’s Mesmerizing Turn in Hedda: Why Prime Video’s Dark Thriller Is Unmissable

Tessa Thompson Takes Center Stage in Hedda’s Twisted World

There’s a singular electricity that crackles through Prime Video’s latest drama, Hedda, and it’s all rooted in Tessa Thompson’s magnetic portrayal of the titular Hedda Gabler. From the very first scene, it’s clear you’re about to witness something special. Thompson’s approach is subtle yet charged: her calm, almost languid speech masks an undercurrent of mania, the kind that instantly sets viewers on edge. It’s the sort of performance that refuses to let go, making you lean in closer, wondering what depths she’ll reveal next.

Directed and written by Nia DaCosta, Hedda is a fevered reinterpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic 1891 stage play, ‘Hedda Gabler.’ The narrative has been expanded far beyond its original setting, thrusting Hedda and her guests into the lavish yet claustrophobic confines of an English country house, where the boundaries between exuberance and collapse are razor-thin. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before arriving on Prime Video, wastes no time in setting its tone—a blend of twisted romance and psychological thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.

A Female-Centric Adaptation Rich in Detail and Emotion

DaCosta’s vision is unapologetically female-centric, infusing every frame with vibrant energy and tension. Costumes, set design, and even the soundtrack—punctuated by drums and bells—work together to build an atmosphere that is both alive and perpetually uneasy. Hedda, newly married and hosting a party to secure her husband George’s academic future, is anything but settled. Thompson plays her as a woman unraveling, oscillating between dazzling hostess and manipulative puppeteer, stirring trouble with calculated games.

What makes this adaptation stand out is its bold revision: Hedda’s ex-lover, originally Eilert Lovborg in the play, is now Eileen Lovborg, played by Nina Hoss. This change adds layers of complexity to the story’s exploration of women seeking agency in a world dominated by men. Hedda’s jealousy of Eileen’s relationship with Thea (Imogen Poots) is a central thread, with each woman on a quest for identity and purpose, occasionally trampling over one another in the process.

Eileen’s wardrobe is masculine and authoritative, yet retains an air of sensuality. Hedda’s attire is polished but restrictive, mirroring her inner turmoil. Thea, in contrast, is swamped in an oversized dress, an outward sign of her struggle to maintain dignity in a world that seeks to diminish her. These visual cues aren’t just decoration—they’re crucial storytelling devices, amplifying each character’s internal battles.

Performances That Command Attention

Thompson’s chemistry with Hoss is palpable. Their scenes together pulse with unresolved history, romantic tension, and the threat of emotional destruction. In many ways, the film’s greatest strength lies in its willingness to let these two women occupy space together, their dynamic shifting from wary reunion to explosive confrontation. The audience is dared to look away, but Thompson’s Hedda is always in control—at least, she believes she is, right up until the film’s bitter end.

Imogen Poots brings a quiet resilience to Thea, refusing to be cowed by Hedda’s machinations. The male characters—George Tesman (Tom Bateman) and Judge Roland Brack (Nicholas Pinnock)—are depicted as deeply insecure, their inability to subjugate Hedda feeding into their own damaging behaviors. Rather than dominating, they exist in the periphery, shaped by Hedda’s struggle for autonomy.

Layered Themes: Race, Identity, and Power

DaCosta’s adaptation doesn’t shy away from contemporary resonance. By casting Thompson—a Black actress—as Hedda, the film introduces a nuanced exploration of racial identity alongside gender. Hedda’s battle for agency is now doubled: she must navigate not just the expectations placed on women, but the additional pressures of race in a world resistant to her independence. This extra layer adds depth without overwhelming the original narrative, blending seamlessly into the story’s core themes.

The party that unfolds over the course of one fraught evening becomes a crucible for every character’s hopes and regrets. Hedda, always the observer and the instigator, pushes her guests to emotional extremes. The result is a cinematic stew of lost loves, lost identities, and the desperate search for meaning—a recipe for both drama and discomfort that never lets the audience feel truly safe.

Why Hedda Is a Must-Watch Thriller

Both Digital Spy and Tom’s Guide hail Hedda as one of Prime Video’s essential new releases, praising Thompson’s performance and DaCosta’s direction for bringing fresh relevance to a timeless story. The film’s tension is expertly sustained, its pacing deliberate, refusing to rush the revelations that make Hedda’s journey so compelling. Like the best psychological thrillers, it leaves viewers unsettled, pondering the cost of agency and the price paid for control.

For those drawn to twisted dramas, Hedda delivers. It’s not just a tale of scandal and intrigue—it’s a reflection on what it means to carve out a space for oneself, even when the world insists on closing in. Thompson’s Hedda is a woman constantly negotiating her power, her relationships, and her own sense of self, making for a viewing experience that is as rich as it is uncomfortable.

In the end, Tessa Thompson’s Hedda stands as a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling and layered performance. By challenging the boundaries of a classic, DaCosta and Thompson have crafted a film that is both timeless and fiercely contemporary—reminding us that the search for agency, identity, and belonging is as urgent now as it was in Ibsen’s day.