Tessa Thompson is garnering immense acclaim for her mesmerizing performance in Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda,” a contemporary and sapphic reinterpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler.” This film appeals not only to those acquainted with the classic work. Prime Video provides an exclusive featurette that immerses viewers in the fascinating realm of “Hedda” in less than four minutes.

Thompson, who both stars in and produces “Hedda,” elaborates on the intricate anti-heroine. “Hedda has intrigued audiences for ages,” Thompson remarks, “because her intentions are erratic. She has an insatiable desire.”

Desire for what? Wealth, romance, and upheaval.

DaCosta’s “Hedda” reinterprets Ibsen’s story of a clever and stunning socialite who displaces her discontent onto others, setting the narrative in 1950s England with a queer angle. The character Eilert, formerly Hedda Gabler’s love interest, is now Eileen, portrayed by Nina Hoss, who has previously inhabited the role on stage. “This transforms the whole narrative,” Hoss asserts in the featurette.

In an interview with Mashable, DaCosta addressed the shift from the traditionally white and heterosexual protagonist to a Black and queer character. “I always envisioned Hedda as Black, but I specifically desired Tessa to portray her,” DaCosta stated. “Then I contemplated Eilert and speculated, ‘What if Eilert were a woman? What if the struggles he faces are due to being a woman? He’s brilliant yet unappreciated, overlooked… If it’s a woman, it not only aligns better but also resonates with the themes we’re delving into with ‘Hedda.’ And then I thought, ‘Oh, everyone’s gay!'”

The featurette delves into how DaCosta’s reimagining necessitated distinctive music, costumes, and production design. Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir infuses the score with a primal intensity by utilizing human breath. The video illustrates how she achieved this by capturing these sounds with the cast and crew on site where Hedda wanders.

Costume designer Lindsay Pugh shares her process in creating the iconic gowns for the love triangle involving Hedda, Eileen, and Eileen’s current partner, Thea (Imogen Poots). Production designer Cara Brower reflects on her method for discovering the perfect home for Hedda, while DaCosta addresses how the decor mirrors Hedda’s internal struggles.

In conclusion, this featurette presents numerous reasons to be drawn to “Hedda.” What is yours?

“Hedda” is currently streaming on Prime Video.