Prime Video’s New Movie From a Marvel Director & An MCU Star Is a Must-See

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Prime Video hasn’t always been known for its original movies, but its latest release is a standout success. While the platform has built up a large collection of films and shows across many genres – including critically acclaimed titles like the music drama Sound of Metal, the historical drama One Night in Miami…, and the dark comedy Saltburn – many of its originals haven’t received much praise. In fact, 2024 saw several disappointments, with films like Heads of State, War of the Worlds, and Play Dirty failing to impress critics. However, this new movie is a major win for Prime Video and is definitely worth watching.

Directed by Nia DaCosta, who also directed The Marvels, Hedda offers a fresh, modern take on Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Hedda Gabler (1891). Tessa Thompson, known for her role as Valkyrie in the Marvel movies, stars as Hedda, a wealthy and troubled woman who cares for little beyond her own pleasures. During a grand party at her home, Hedda reunites with a former lover, Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss), setting off a chain of dramatic and life-altering events. Critics have lauded the film, giving it a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This second collaboration between DaCosta and Thompson is a thrilling and impressive movie that deserves wider recognition.

Hedda Is a Fantastic Modern Adaptation of a Classic Play

While fundamentally a tragedy, this adaptation of Hedda is surprisingly energetic and captivating. The film updates the setting from 1890s Norway to 1950s England, and is visually striking thanks to beautiful sets and costumes, complemented by a powerful score from Hildur Guðnadóttir. Thompson’s portrayal of Hedda is particularly compelling; a wealthy and self-centered character who’s capable of incredible manipulation, especially during social gatherings. Despite her flaws, Hedda evokes sympathy because of her unhappy marriage and the constraints placed upon her as a woman. She’s a master of causing trouble, and watching her do so with such grace and charisma is thoroughly entertaining.

This intricate character work extends beyond Hedda herself. We see it in characters like Eileen, who battles to establish herself as a writer in a field dominated by men. Her new partner, Thea Clifton (Imogen Poots), increasingly mirrors Hedda’s traits, even though she claims to despise her. From the well-meaning but flawed Tesman to the calculating Judge Brack (Nicholas Pinnock), DaCosta’s script gives every character depth and believability.

Though based on the original play, the film Hedda makes several smart changes that actually improve the story. Director DaCosta powerfully explores themes of race and sexuality, showing how they shape people’s experiences and opportunities. A key change – reimagining a past lover as a woman – intensifies the complex relationship between Hedda and Eileen, highlighting the pressures they face in a society that expects strict traditional relationships. Hedda is a rich and fascinating story, and its open-ended ending encourages viewers to continue thinking about its themes long after the film is over.

Nia DaCosta and Tessa Thompson Are Once Again a Brilliant Duo

Having previously worked together on DaCosta’s first feature film, Little Woods (2018), the director and Thompson have become a highly successful team. Hedda, DaCosta’s fourth movie, is her strongest work to date and solidifies her position as a filmmaker to watch, especially with her upcoming project, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It’s rare for a director to effectively update a classic story for contemporary viewers, and Hedda demonstrates DaCosta’s skill as both a writer and director.

Tessa Thompson is perfectly cast as Hedda Gabler, delivering a truly exceptional performance. She skillfully portrays Hedda’s deep dissatisfaction alongside her cunning and manipulative nature, making her captivating to watch in every scene. After her strong work in Little Woods and a quick appearance in The Marvels, this latest collaboration with director Nia DaCosta was highly anticipated. Hedda doesn’t just meet those expectations – it surpasses them, creating a powerfully memorable drama.

Hedda is now streaming on Prime Video.

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2025-11-04 19:42