Tessa Thompson’s latest film, Hedda, has garnered significant acclaim from critics, achieving a remarkable 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025, is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play Hedda Gabler and showcases Thompson in a powerful lead role. Directed by Nia DaCosta, who previously collaborated with Thompson on the 2018 crime drama Little Woods and the Marvel film The Marvels, Hedda has been described as a bold reimagining of the original play.
Critics have praised Thompson’s performance, highlighting her portrayal of the complex titular character. Amon Warmann from Empire Magazine noted, “Tessa Thompson has never been better as the titular not-so-desperate housewife in Nia DaCosta’s bold, stylish reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s timeless play.” This sentiment is echoed by Lyvie Scott from Inverse, who likened the film’s escalating tension to a pressure cooker, transforming it into “a diabolical psychological thriller.”
Wendy Ide of The Observer remarked on the film’s unpredictability, stating, “Hedda is as treacherous and unpredictable as Hedda herself.” While she acknowledged that not every aspect of the film works seamlessly, she praised Thompson’s performance as “glorious – all weaponised ennui, languid malice and impeccable tailoring.” Similarly, Linda Marric from The Sun lauded Hedda for its stylishness, calling it “witty, and wickedly entertaining,” and commending DaCosta’s flair for reinventing familiar narratives.
William Bibbiani of TheWrap celebrated the film as “a sensual, ingenious update of Ibsen’s classic play,” emphasizing its ability to honor theatrical tradition while transforming it into an exhilarating cinematic experience.
The film’s positive reception is reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score, which, as of the article’s publication, stands at 90% after receiving 77 reviews. This score may fluctuate as additional critiques come in over the following days.
After its premiere at TIFF, Hedda saw its theatrical release in select US cinemas on October 22, 2025, before becoming available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video today. As audiences and critics continue to respond, the film is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of contemporary adaptations of classic literature.
