Tessa Thompson on LA Culture, Halloween & Hetta Film Insights

content: Tessa Thompson's Unconventional LA Upbringing

As a Los Angeles native, Tessa Thompson reveals surprising gaps in her local experience during her recent talk show appearance. Despite being a self-proclaimed Dodgers fan, she admits: "I've never been to a Dodgers game" – a revelation that stunned the host. Her fandom manifests uniquely through post-win celebrations at local bars rather than stadium visits.

Thompson only attended her first Lakers home game recently, followed by a Sparks WNBA game. When questioned about missing iconic LA experiences, she humorously defended her credentials: "I’ve been to Disneyland and the La Brea Tar Pits multiple times as a kid." Her father’s presence during the interview highlighted this family quirk, with plans to finally attend a Dodgers game soon.

The LA Spiritual Lifestyle

Thompson openly discusses her "adjacent to believers" approach to spirituality – common among Angelenos. She shares a revealing anecdote about bringing home an African sculpture that her sister felt had "dark energy." This prompted Thompson to:

1. Consult a healer for space cleansing
2. Host crystal-centered girls’ nights
3. Regularly practice smudging with sage and palo santo

Her practical tip: "Burn sage and waft it through spaces to cleanse energy – it smells delicious and works." However, she acknowledges skepticism after the host shared an asthma attack triggered by overzealous smudging.

Halloween Mastery: Costumes and Multi-Party Strategy

Thompson declares Halloween the "best holiday," detailing an ambitious four-party plan requiring tactical outfit changes:

Costume Innovation Under Pressure

Facing a costume crisis, she considers:

• A Miami Vice duo look with a friend
• Transforming one costume into a "murdered" version for later events
• Tackling a meta-challenge: "Come as yourself if someone dressed as you for Halloween"

Her solution: "Carry multiple beverages as props – it’s about the accessories." For the meta-costume, she jokes about embodying her perceived persona: "Probably holding several drinks to represent my social self."

The Four-Party Survival Guide

Thompson’s proven approach includes:

1. Starting with "mellow" parties in initial outfits
2. Changing costumes in the car between events
3. Progressing to "amped" parties with dramatic looks
4. Limiting time per location to maintain energy

Pro tip: "Convert your first costume into a bloody ‘murder victim’ version for later events – instant wardrobe evolution."

Behind the Scenes of Gotham-Nominated Film "Hetta"

Thompson’s new film, earning her a Gotham Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performance, reimagines an 1890s Ibsen play in 1954 England. She reveals fascinating production insights:

Bold Creative Choices

Director Nia DaCosta made two transformative decisions:

1. Changing a male character (Ejlert) to female (Eileen)
2. Naturally evolving the protagonist into bisexual
   Thompson explains: "Suddenly everyone’s gay – that’s just what happens when you swap genders in the script!"

Filming in a Protected Historical Manor

The production occurred at a 14th-century listed manor where:

• Owners still resided during filming
• Actors couldn’t touch walls or drink water near antiques
• Between scenes, performers stayed in "the dog room"
  Thompson emphasizes: "Damage to listed UK properties can lead to arrest – the owners were incredibly gracious despite strict rules."

Authentic 1950s Party Culture

Research revealed surprising historical accuracy in the film’s raucous party scenes:

• Wealthy Brits hosted multi-day events with drugs "on every surface"
• Lavish details like precise tablecloths and flowers mattered immensely
• The manor itself hosted similar gatherings throughout its history

Actionable Takeaways from Thompson’s Insights

1. LA Experience Hack: Celebrate local teams through neighborhood bar traditions when stadiums feel overwhelming
2. Halloween Costume Formula: Start simple + add destructive elements (fake blood/tears) for later parties
3. Space Cleansing: Use responsibly ventilated sage smudging for quick energy resets
4. Period Film Appreciation: Watch "Hetta" on Prime Video noting bisexual representation and manor preservation challenges

Thompson’s career-defining perspective: "Ibsen wrote complicated women 134 years ago – we’re honoring that legacy while making it resonate now." Her performance showcases why the Gotham Awards recognized her captivating interpretation.

Which Halloween strategy – costume transformation or multi-beverage persona – would work best for your next party? Share your approach below!