Hedda is about the titularly named character played by Tessa Thompson who, in the wake of a boring domestic life, convinces her husband to throw one last lavish party at the grand home that they can no longer afford. With her husband George’s prospects looking grim, all he may need is one good meeting with a professor coming to the party. However, Hedda also invited her past companion Eileen Lovberg (Nina Hoss), who is the main rival for the post George desires. What comes next is a game for financial, vocational and sexual power as Hedda tries to entertain herself and make the most of what might be her last night living how she wants.
The film is beautifully lit and shot by DP Sean Bobbitt bringing atmosphere to this one location film. The yellow lights, the use of silhouette and particular camera moves make this play adaption quite cinematic. One shot in particular when Eileen first enters the party is a very interesting and engaging choice, reminiscent of Spike Lee’s famous camera move. However, I desired more interesting and experimental camera tricks like that one, the rest of the film feels more static and unmoving despite the drama and tension of the situation only ramping up more and more.
The film’s changes in the story from the Ibsen play that it is based on do not seem to elevate it. There’s lots of great buildup but what comes after is mostly disappointing. What the film is trying to say seems muddled in the fiery personality of Hedda. The film seems to offer some comment on the way women were treated in this time as it seems the only way Hedda gets what she wants is through manipulative and dangerous means. She seems to be closeted away from the rest of the people in her life and throwing them in a whirlwind of emotions may be the only way she can communicate with them. Hedda features very good performances from the whole cast but especially Tessa Thompson and Nina Hoss make this a sleek and sexy film worth checking out.
Hedda is playing at TIFF ’25. For more information, click here.
