Tessa Thompson Reveals the Cult Movie That Changed Her Life
Tessa Thompson opens up about her deep admiration for a once-criticized cult film, sharing how its unique story and legacy have shaped her own creative journey.
As a major player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tessa Thompson has starred in some of the biggest box office hits of all time. Her work in Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, which she also produced, earned her glowing reviews and even a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama at the 2026 Golden Globes. But not every project has been a critical darling. While Marvel has propelled her career, she’s also had to weather the storm of less successful entries—think The Marvels or Thor: Love and Thunder. Her attempt to revive another blockbuster franchise with Men in Black: International didn’t fare much better, leaving fans and critics underwhelmed and hoping for a return to form in future installments.
Despite the ups and downs, Thompson doesn’t let reviews dictate her taste. In a recent conversation, she shared her affection for a film that was once widely dismissed by critics but later became a beloved classic.
“It was universally panned [when it came out],”
she recalled about Harold and Maude.
“It took almost a decade before audiences got it, and now, the film has a cult following, and it’s been influential for so many directors that we know and love…”
Finding Meaning in the Unconventional
Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude offers a darkly comic exploration of life’s purpose. The story follows Harold, a young man fixated on death, and Maude, a 79-year-old Holocaust survivor who embraces every moment. Their unlikely bond bridges a vast age gap, with each character challenging the other’s outlook on mortality and what it means to truly live.
When the film debuted in 1971, critics failed to appreciate its offbeat humor and unconventional romance. Over time, though, its sharp wit, memorable characters, and surprisingly uplifting ending won over audiences. In 1997, it was even selected for preservation by the US National Film Registry, cementing its place in cinematic history.
Personal Inspiration and Lasting Impact
Thompson’s admiration for Harold and Maude runs deep. She named her production company Viva Maude in honor of Ruth Gordon’s iconic character. For Thompson, Maude represents an early version of the ‘manic pixie dream girl’—but with a twist.
“For my money, she’s one of the first occurrences of this trope,”
Thompson explained.
“This woman who comes into a depressive man’s life and turns it around with her zest for life and vivaciousness. But she herself disrupts the trope because she happens to be a woman in her late 80s who also has a death wish.”
Many films now considered untouchable classics were initially met with indifference or outright negativity. The way a movie is received can shift dramatically as time passes, and context changes. Thompson admits she might not have appreciated Harold and Maude if she’d seen it when it first premiered, but today, she can’t get enough of its unique charm and enduring influence.