Tessa Thompson is back in the spotlight, and this time she’s taking on one of theater’s most iconic—and complicated—roles. In the new film Hedda, Thompson delivers a performance that’s already being hailed as “spellbinding” and “riveting,” marking a major moment in her career and a fresh chapter in the ongoing creative partnership between Thompson and director Nia DaCosta.
A Modern Hedda for a New Era
Hedda, which premieres on Prime Video today after a brief theatrical run, is a bold adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play
Hedda Gabler. Directed and written by Nia DaCosta, the film reimagines the classic with a contemporary edge and a cast that breaks traditional boundaries. Thompson’s Hedda is not just a product of her time—she’s a force of nature: Black, queer, messy, and unapologetically complex.
The story follows Hedda Tesman, the daughter of a late general, who appears to have settled into a life of domesticity with her husband George (Tom Bateman). But beneath the surface, Hedda’s wild past and restless spirit simmer. The film’s action unfolds during a single, tension-filled night as Hedda and George host a party for university professors, hoping to secure George a coveted professorship. The arrival of Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss), Hedda’s ex-lover and close friend, threatens to upend the carefully constructed façade, setting off a chain of events that’s as seductive as it is destructive.
Thompson and DaCosta: A Creative Power Duo
Thompson and DaCosta’s collaboration is more than just director and star—it’s a creative friendship a decade in the making. The two first met at the 2015 Sundance labs, where DaCosta was developing her debut feature
Little Woods and immediately cast Thompson in the lead. Since then, they’ve become each other’s “North Star,” with DaCosta calling Thompson “basically my best friend” and Thompson crediting DaCosta for opening doors to roles she might not otherwise have been offered.
Their partnership is drawing comparisons to legendary actor-director duos like Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan or Scorsese and DiCaprio. Thompson has even hinted at producing a TV adaptation of a book for DaCosta, though she’s keeping the details under wraps for now.
A Performance That’s “Chaotic, Messy & Riveting”
Critics and fans alike are raving about Thompson’s turn as Hedda. Refinery29 calls her “chaotic, messy, and exhilarating to watch,” noting how the film allows her to fully inhabit a character rarely played by a woman of color. The Knockturnal describes the film as “an experience in seeing what it could look like if you gave yourself the freedom to have fun—all while being witty, challenging, and desirable”.
The film’s modern take doesn’t just update the casting—it injects new energy into the story’s themes of freedom, desire, and self-destruction. Thompson’s Hedda is magnetic, commanding attention in every scene and bringing a fresh, unpredictable edge to the role.
Off-Screen: Halloween, Dodgers, and Dark Energy Healers
Thompson’s charisma isn’t limited to the big screen. On a recent appearance on
Jimmy Kimmel Live, she charmed audiences with stories about her love for Halloween, her Dodgers fandom (despite never attending a game), and even having a “dark energy healer” cleanse her house. She also shared behind-the-scenes tales from shooting
Hedda in a sprawling English manor and throwing parties at her own home.
What’s Next for Tessa Thompson?
With
Hedda now streaming and critical buzz building, Thompson’s star continues to rise. Her ongoing partnership with DaCosta promises more boundary-pushing projects ahead, and her willingness to take risks—both on and off screen—cements her status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling talents.
For anyone craving a drama that’s as smart and seductive as its star,
Hedda is a must-watch. And if Thompson’s recent roles are any indication, she’s just getting started.
Sources
1. Director Nia DaCosta and Tessa Thompson on 'Hedda' and their ...
2. Tessa Thompson on Halloween Costume Dilemma ... - YouTube
3. Hedda Is The Truth - The Knockturnal
4. Tessa Thompson shines in Prime Video's new moldering romance ...
5. In 'Hedda' Tessa Thompson Is Chaotic, Messy & Riveting - Refinery29
6. Tessa Thompson and Hedda cast on the "fascinating" process of ...
