Death of a Unicorn (2025)

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🎬 Death of a Unicorn (2025) Genre: Dark Comedy | Fantasy | Thriller Directed by: Alex Scharfman Main Cast: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni Runtime: 1h 48min IMDb Rating: ⭐ 5.8/10 🪄 When Magic Collides with Modern Greed Death of a Unicorn (2025) is a daring blend of dark comedy, fantasy, and thriller elements that reimagines myth through a sharp, contemporary lens. The film balances humor and tension while questioning how humanity responds when the impossible suddenly becomes real. During what should have been a quiet road trip, a father and daughter experience a shocking encounter with a creature believed to exist only in legend. Initial disbelief quickly gives way to chaos as powerful interests recognize opportunity where there should be awe and responsibility. Caught between morality, survival, and the consequences of unchecked greed, the pair are pulled into a surreal and unse...

Hedda (2025) – Nia DaCosta Reimagines Ibsen’s Classic for a New Era

Release Date: October 22, 2025 (United States)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video – October 29, 2025
Genre: Drama / Psychological Thriller
Directed by: Nia DaCosta


Introduction

Hedda (2025) is a bold and haunting reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 masterpiece Hedda Gabler, directed and written by Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels). This contemporary adaptation stars the ever-versatile Tessa Thompson in a career-defining role, supported by an impressive ensemble cast. The film explores themes of autonomy, repression, and existential despair with modern nuance and striking cinematic depth.

Plot Overview

Set in a stylized modern backdrop, Hedda follows the story of Hedda Gabler (Tessa Thompson), a fiercely intelligent but emotionally trapped woman struggling with the confines of her marriage, societal expectations, and her own internal contradictions. As past lovers, rivalries, and secrets resurface, Hedda's psychological unraveling becomes as tragic as it is mesmerizing.

DaCosta’s version adds new layers of race, gender, and power dynamics while maintaining the tension and tragic inevitability that made Ibsen’s original a literary landmark.

Cast & Characters

  • Tessa Thompson as Hedda Gabler – A conflicted, sharp-witted woman navigating a suffocating world.
  • Imogen Poots as Thea Clifton – A figure from Hedda’s past whose return threatens her fragile balance.
  • Tom Bateman as George Tesman – Hedda’s academic husband, naive to the storm within his home.
  • Nicholas Pinnock as Judge Roland Brack – A manipulative confidant with a dark agenda.
  • Nina Hoss as Eileen Lovborg – A reimagined version of Eilert Lovborg, central to Hedda’s crisis.
  • Finbar Lynch as Professor Greenwood
  • Mirren Mack as Tabitha Greenwood
  • Jamael Westman as David
  • Saffron Hocking as Jane Ji
  • Kathryn Hunter as Bertie

Production Insights

Announced in 2022, Hedda was envisioned as a contemporary take on Ibsen's timeless exploration of a woman torn between societal norms and personal freedom. DaCosta, who has become a rising auteur in both indie and mainstream cinema, began pre-production in November 2023, with principal photography taking place in the UK in early 2024.

The film was produced by Orion Pictures and Plan B Entertainment, with backing from Amazon MGM Studios. The visual tone of the film was captured by acclaimed cinematographer Sean Bobbitt, while the haunting score was composed by Oscar-winner Hildur Guðnadóttir.

Festival Premiere & Release Plan

Hedda is set to have its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking the 50th edition of the prestigious event. Following its festival run, the film will release in select U.S. theaters on October 22, 2025 before launching on Amazon Prime Video a week later, on October 29.

What Makes It Special?

  • A daring reinterpretation of one of the most iconic female roles in theater
  • A powerful lead performance by Tessa Thompson
  • Direction by Nia DaCosta, merging arthouse depth with psychological intensity
  • Elegant cinematography and a moody, immersive score
  • Exploration of contemporary gender, race, and mental health themes

Early Buzz & Awards Potential

While the full critical reception will arrive post-TIFF, industry insiders are already praising Hedda for its ambition, performances, and bold storytelling. Tessa Thompson is expected to be a major contender during awards season, with early screenings hinting at potential nominations for Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Final Thoughts

Hedda (2025) isn’t just a remake — it's a reimagining that dares to reframe a classic through the lens of modern identity, agency, and art. For fans of psychological drama, character studies, and powerful female-led narratives, this is one of 2025’s must-watch films.

Catch it in select theaters this October, or stream it on Amazon Prime Video starting October 29.


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