Hedda boasts an interesting power game and stunning costume design, carried by a strong leading performance from Tessa Thompson that emulates calculation, untrustworthiness, and deep discontent. Thompson plays the titular lead as a manipulative and selfish yet empty role trying to plan the best future for herself among this house party of elites, a life she married into. Nina Hoss also gives an excellent supporting performance as a party attendee from Hedda's past who shakes up her present.
Nia DaCosta directs the film with such passion, and the costume design in particular is beautiful. Through the runtime, Hedda's plan leaves you guessing but soon spirals out of control. Though the pacing may struggle to hook you, especially in the first half, it also packs a thoughtful punch in the final few minutes and ending frame.
3.5/5
Review by: Gal Balaban