Movie Review: Hedda (HIFF)
Hedda is a riveting and sexually charged psychological thriller that is an absolute must-see cinematic experience.
Normally, I'm not someone who shies away from spoilers when I do a review, even when I am covering something well before release. In the age of the internet, I view the review as not simply a referendum on whether the movie is good or bad, but also as a conversation over some of the interesting narrative or cinematic flourishes that a writer, director, or actor employs.
That said, Hedda is something that the viewer should go into knowing as little as possible. It's an adaptation of a play that debuted in 1891 and it has been brought to the screen both for television and film a few times. Still, I feel like it is probably safe to assume that the majority of the people who are going to see this because Nia DaCosta directed it and Tessa Thompson is in the lead will not be familiar with the general story.
So that said, without addressing the plot, there are four people who need to be shouted out who may end up in contention for year-end awards. Tessa Thompson has a career-best performance in the lead as Hedda Gabler and plays every facet of this layered character perfectly.
Nina Hoss puts herself in the conversation for Best Supporting Actress with her portrayal of Eileen Lovborg, a race which will possibly be one of the most contested of this year's Oscar season.
Nia DaCosta does a fantastic job on two fronts; framing every shot perfectly and allowing the space for the performances to breathe while also using camera placement and movement to visually illustrate the decay of reality as the night goes on and the drinks and drugs flow.
Finally, Hildur Guðnadóttir positions herself neatly in a contested race for Best Original Score with some of her best work. Not only does it fit the period but the way she plays with pacing and time furthers the shifting mood as the events of the night transpire.
Go see Hedda when it comes out, and see it in a theater where there are no distractions. It's one of the best movies of 2025 and well worth the time to experience in full as a cinematic experience.
★★★★★
