Despite Tessa Thompson’s riveting performance, superb directing and staging from Nia DaCosta, and a pressure-cooker score by Hildur Guðnadóttir, HEDDA once again proved that I do not like period pieces. The film is based on the 1891 stage play, HEDDA GABLER. And while it has taken some liberties, including plot changes and the usage of popular songs (it was delightful to hear Björk’s IT’S OH SO QUIET), it’s all quite dull.
However, if you’re a fan of stuffy dinner mysteries and classic literature, you’ll probably fall in love with this Oscar-bait feature. As for me, I’m comfortable with my inability to enjoy films like this, and I look forward to Nia DaCosta returning to make another horror film akin to CANDYMAN – the movie that showcased she’s a director to watch.
It’s available on Prime Video.
