A new all-female period drama is already being dubbed as ‘Great Gatsby meets murder mystery’ as its first trailer finally hits the screens.
Prime Video has given fans their very first glimpse of the upcoming release, Hedda.
The film is the brainchild of acclaimed horror director Nia DaCosta, who also wrote the screenplay.
DaCosta’s previous works include the remake of The Candyman, The Marvels, and the sequel to 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple.
The film stars MCU actress Tessa Thompson in the lead role as Hedda Gabler, a character previously brought to life on stage by the likes of Maggie Smith, Rosamund Pike, Cate Blanchett, and in film versions by Ingrid Bergman, Game of Throne’s Dame Diana Rigg; and Glenda Jackson, who earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal.
This latest adaptation offers a provocative, modern reinterpretation of the classic play. This includes transforming it into a bold thriller with an all-female central trio, and a twisted love triangle set against the backdrop of 1950s London, reports the Mirror.
Hedda finds herself caught between the lingering pain of a past love and the stifling reality of her current life.
Over the course of one intense night, long-suppressed desires and hidden tensions explode, pulling her and everyone around her into a whirlwind of manipulation, passion, and betrayal.
Thompson will share the screen with Imogen Poots, Da Vinci’s Demons star Tom Bateman, Long Bright River’s Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss, known for her roles in Tar and Homeland.
Fans will have the opportunity to catch Hedda on the big screen before it lands on streaming. Amazon is set to release it in select cinemas from 22 October, but it will be available on Prime Video from 29 October.
DaCosta has already shared her thoughts on what sets her rendition of Hedda apart. Speaking to Vanity Fair, she said: “I thought that this character was terrifying, but also how brave to write a character like this, who is to me, at least unredeemable and does horrible things, but you’re telling it from her perspective and have huge empathy for her.”
However, she felt that the interpretations and adaptations she had seen were lacking something. She added: “I liked it, but I thought, This is not as funny or dark or sexy as what I read or what I felt when I was reading it. So I was like, Wouldn’t it be cool to do a movie where I make all the subtext text?”.
The anticipation for Hedda’s release is already building among fans. One fan commented on the trailer’s YouTube post, saying: “This trailer is giving me The Great Gatsby meets murder mystery vibes and I’m HERE FOR IT.”
Another chimed in: “Wow this looks fantastic! So in for Tessa! Glad to see Nia DaCosta get more work too after Candyman.”
Hedda is in cinemas from October 22 and streaming on Prime Video from October 29.