ACTORS/ACTRESSES

Red Carpet Coverage of Hedda @TIFF 50

Director Nia DaCosta dazzles TIFF on the red carpet with Hedda

Published

5 months ago

September 30, 2025

There has been much anticipation of Hedda for quite some time. Director Nia DaCosta has been on my radar ever since Candyman, and her decision to take on Hedda—based on Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler—felt like an exciting and unexpected turn in her career.

Before the premiere, I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredibly talented cast on the red carpet: Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, and Nicolas Pinnock. They were all delightfully kind, warm, and fun to speak with. Meeting them only made me more excited to see how they would bring these complex characters to life.

From the very first scene, I was in love. Nia DaCosta crafted a visually stunning film through breathtaking cinematography, meticulous set design, and gorgeous costumes. This allowed for her entire cast to draw out phenomenal performances. What amazed me most was the complete transformation: the difference between who I had spoken to off-screen and who I saw on-screen was astonishing. They disappeared into their roles, embodying characters filled with depth, nuance, and raw emotion.

DaCosta’s creative choices, including bold role reversals and inventive staging, feel nothing short of brilliant. I can’t say a single bad word about this film. The moment it ended, I wanted to watch it all over again. Hedda is, without a doubt, Nia DaCosta’s best work so far, and it makes me eager to see where she goes next. She is simply brilliant.

As for the cast: Tessa Thompson is divine as Hedda, commanding the screen with intensity and vulnerability. Tom Bateman is impossibly good as George Tesman, giving the character surprising weight. Nicolas Pinnock’s Judge Brack brings sharpness and intensity to the love triangle at the heart of the story. Nina Hoss is extraordinary as Hedda’s lover, Eileen, delivering quiet brilliance in every scene. And Imogen Poots, as Thea, reminds us just how incredible an actor she truly is.

I loved this movie—every frame, every performance, every daring choice. FERNTV says please, go watch Hedda!

Rating: 4/5

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Idalina Leandro

Idalina Leandro is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and passionate cinephile. Her recent work includes Dream of the Moon, directed by Alfons Adetuyi, and her acclaimed, award-winning performance as Claire in The Pines Still Whisper, now available on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms.