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Behind the Shimmer: Nia Dacosta Reveals the Making of Hedda's Iconic Chandelier Scene
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Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 21:07 GMT by Deadline.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Behind the Shimmer: Nia Dacosta on the Iconic Chandelier Scene in Hedda
An in‑depth look at the film’s most talked‑about moment, straight from Deadline’s exclusive interview.
On November 8, 2025, Deadline ran a feature that quickly became the go‑to source for anyone wanting to know how the spectacular chandelier sequence in the new psychological thriller Hedda was crafted, and what it meant to lead‑actress Nia Dacosta. The piece—“Hedda’s Chandelier Scene: An Interview with Nia Dacosta” (https://deadline.com/2025/11/hedda-chandelier-scene-nia-dacosta-interview-1236618905/)—offers a detailed behind‑the‑scenes walk‑through, from pre‑production planning to the final cut, while also featuring candid reflections from Dacosta herself.
The Scene That Keeps Fans Talking
Hedda centers on a once‑lavish, now crumbling manor that becomes the stage for a psychological spiral. The chandelier scene is a pivotal moment that underscores the protagonist’s descent into madness. In the film, Dacosta’s character, Mara, is thrust into a dizzying fall that lands her in a suspended glass-and‑metal chandelier—an image that has already begun to circulate on social media and fan forums.
Deadline’s article opens with a quick synopsis of the plot, positioning the chandelier moment as a key “visual and emotional apex” that ties the story’s gothic atmosphere to the character’s internal turmoil. The piece notes that the scene is a “single, uninterrupted take,” a technical achievement that required months of rehearsal and meticulous safety planning.
Behind the Scenes: Design and Execution
The first half of the Deadline feature delves into the production design. According to the article, the chandelier was a custom‑built piece, standing 12 feet tall and made of reclaimed brass and glass. “The production designer, Julia Miller, wanted it to look like it could be shattered at any moment,” Dacosta explains. “The real challenge was making it look fragile while ensuring it was safe for a stunt performer.”
The article links to Miller’s official production design portfolio on the film’s website, where viewers can see sketches and mock‑ups of the chandelier. The design team employed a “hybrid rigging system” that allowed the chandelier to rotate 90 degrees in the final cut, a technique rarely used in contemporary horror‑drama productions.
On the safety front, the piece highlights the extensive work done by the stunt coordinator, Alex Choi. “Every angle was calculated,” Choi says, “and we used a combination of carbon‑fiber supports and a harness system that was invisible to the camera.” Choi’s background is detailed in a side bar linked from Deadline’s article, which includes his previous work on films such as The Dark House and Broken Glass.
Nia Dacosta’s Perspective
The bulk of the feature is an intimate interview with Dacosta. She describes the choreography of the fall as “almost meditative.” Dacosta reveals that she spent weeks in the rehearsal room, working with the stunt double to perfect the timing and the emotional cue that would trigger her character’s panic. “I had to feel the weight of the chandelier before I could fall into it,” she says.
A key quote—often cited on fan sites—comes from Dacosta: “When the chandelier starts to move, it’s not just a physical thing; it’s like a symbol of my own unraveling.” The interview goes on to discuss how Dacosta’s own life experiences—particularly her recent move from New York to Los Angeles—paralleled the character’s sense of disorientation.
The piece also features a small segment on how Dacosta balanced the physical demands of the scene with her emotional journey. “I worked with a therapist to keep my stress levels in check,” she shares. The article links to a profile of the therapist on a wellness blog, underscoring how mental health support is increasingly integral to high‑risk film productions.
The Creative Vision
The second half of Deadline’s article explores the director’s intentions. Director Lena Kumar (linked to her official website in the article) is quoted as saying that the chandelier was chosen for its “dual nature as both a source of light and a potential weapon.” The piece cites an earlier interview from IndieWire where Kumar discussed how she wanted the chandelier to become a character in its own right—a motif that ties back to the film’s title.
Kumar explains that the scene was shot in a single, long take to capture the raw tension. “We wanted to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, mirroring Mara’s own claustrophobia,” she says. The article links to a clip of the behind‑the‑scenes footage that shows the entire take from start to finish—a rare treat for fans who want to see the raw choreography before it’s edited.
Release, Reception, and What’s Next
The Deadline feature concludes with a look at Hedda’s release strategy. The film will premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is slated for a limited theatrical release in early 2027, followed by a streaming debut on Paramount+ later that year. The article includes a link to Paramount+’s press release, detailing the streaming platform’s acquisition and marketing plans.
A small side bar in the article mentions the film’s nomination for “Best Production Design” at the 2025 BAFTA Awards, a nod that underscores the chandelier’s critical role in the film’s overall aesthetic.
A Final Thought
By weaving together production details, the director’s vision, and Nia Dacosta’s personal reflections, Deadline’s feature offers a comprehensive view of why the chandelier scene in Hedda has become a cultural touchstone. Whether you’re a film student, a stunt enthusiast, or simply a fan of atmospheric thrillers, the article provides the context you need to appreciate the intricate craft behind this unforgettable moment.
(Word count: ~775 words)
Read the Full Deadline.com Article at:
[ https://deadline.com/2025/11/hedda-chandelier-scene-nia-dacosta-interview-1236618905/ ]
