Hedda

Hedda, a 2025 release starring Tessa Thompson, is a film that ultimately falls flat despite the talent involved. While Thompson has earned praise for bringing LGBTQ+ representation to her roles, this film leans so heavily on that aspect that it feels like it dominates the narrative rather than serving it. Audiences expecting a compelling story or engaging character work are likely to find themselves disconnected from the film's intentions.

The story itself is uninspired and struggles to maintain interest. The screenplay lacks depth, momentum, or emotional resonance, leaving the audience with little to invest in. Scenes drag without meaningful tension or development, and the dialogue feels flat and forced. Even Thompson's performance, which might have been the film's anchor, cannot fully salvage the lackluster material.

From a directorial standpoint, the film appears uncertain about its own identity. The director attempts to blend character exploration with broader narrative arcs but fails to establish cohesion. The pacing is erratic, and many scenes seem to exist without purpose, creating large gaps that disrupt the flow and engagement of the story.

Structurally, the film suffers from numerous plot holes and unresolved subplots. Characters behave inconsistently, and motivations are unclear, making it difficult for viewers to connect or empathize. The tension that a drama or character-driven film typically relies on is absent, leaving the audience detached throughout the experience.

Visually, the film does little to elevate the story. While technically competent, the cinematography and production design cannot compensate for the dull script and uneven performances. The film never creates a sense of atmosphere or immersion, which is crucial for drawing viewers into its world.

Overall, Hedda is a disappointing release that struggles on nearly every level. Despite Tessa Thompson's talent and presence, the film's poor storytelling, lack of focus, and weak screenplay result in an unengaging experience. It is not recommended, and it's unlikely to leave any lasting impression on viewers.

I found this film so disappointing - so much potential was wasted on modernizing it.

With one of the finest pedigrees of directors and, especially, actresses playing the leading role, I was so excited for for this film. Ingmar Bergman once directed this play with Maggie Smith as the lead. Some of the best actresses of the last 100 years have played the title role, more modern adaptions with Ruth Wilson and Cate Blanchett.

I feel it's wasted on Tessa. I love her, especially in Westworld, but this iconic role on stage deserved someone with a fantastic pedigree and longer career would've been significantly better. As I mentioned, Ruth Wilson and Cate Blanchett have done productions as Hedda. Gillian Anderson spoke of wanting to play her. When I first read the play, I thought Anne Hathaway would have been great (like she was in Les Mis and Rachel Getting Married), though I think it may have been wasted on her at this point at her career during this production and release.

I hate that they changed the Elliott character to a female, Eileen. I think this modernization isn't effective, and distracts from this fantastic material.

I also hate the ending. Without giving it away, I hate that the ending was changed from its original source material. I always thought it was a beautiful, poetic, and stunning ending for a stage production, and was excited to see it on screen and how it'd be filmed/directed and interpreted. The play gives such a, for lack of better terms, point blank ending that is devastating, but satisfying in all the best ways. This film ruins that, changing it completely.

The film is beautiful, especially the costumes. And I feel like changing the setting/timeline to be all in one night is a fascinating change that works quite well. The supporting cast does well, but found Tessa as lead, as well as the modernizations the film takes liberties with from the play distracting. I honestly would've loved to see an older actress play the role, and feel it could've been a more established, potentially iconic actress that would've been riveting and exciting.

I know Tessa produced as well, but maybe this adaption was turned down by many actresses for the changes the film makes from the play?

Overall, I would say lovers of the play should skip this one. Maybe people not familiar with the source material will love it, like how people loved the most recent "A Star is Born", without seeing or knowing about its previous (vastly superior) adaptions.

3/10 1 out of 5 stars.

Can't recommend.

Hopefully there will be another production or another adaption soon - one that does justice to the play. However, I feel this film may discourage producers and directors from trying to make this magnificent play into another film. Highly unfortunate.

Watched> Friday, 24th October, 2025 @ The ARC Backlot Cinema, Blackpool. Rated 3.5 * * * Good to Very Good < Cert. Would be a 15 > Drama about the Rich Society, played out in this couple's wealthy mansion, as their lifestyle deteriorates in to the downward spiral of decadence. A Watchable Picture, that would suit some and not others. Well made and well acted, though I wouldn't rush out to watch it again. Official UK Release on Wednesday 29th October, 2025. (ps)

I know every Ibsen play and of course I know Hedda Gabler. I don't care that the film doesn't have the subtlety Ibsen had when he wrote one of his more important plays. What I'm more concerned about is that the film is a talkie in the best - or worst - sense? The dialogue pretends to be witty such as the leading actress is trying everything imaginable to create an awkward and strange character. But all this fails right in the beginning and is not getting any better. As annoying as all this is, so is the pretentious soundtrack. The film falls flat and is boring. Just that.

Hedda Gabler (Tessa Thompson) is throwing a party at her mansion. By the end of the night, someone is getting shot and she gets interrogated.

I don't know anything about the play. Director Nia DaCosta has done some good-looking functional work. This is a costume drama. It looks good. Tessa is solid. Nina Hoss is excellent. I wouldn't mind an Altman-like drama. I am distracted by the opening reveal of the shooting. I kept treating this like a murder mystery when I should be enjoying this as a chaotic one-night character drama.