Passing

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 27, 2021 (limited), November 10, 2021 (Netflix)

Genre
Drama, Romance

Cast & Crew

• Tessa Thompson as Irene Redfield
• Ruth Negga as Clare Kendry
• André Holland as Brian Redfield
• Alexander Skarsgård as John Bellew
• Bill Camp as Hugh Wentworth
• Gbenga Akinnagbe as Dave Freedland
• Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Felise

Director
Rebecca Hall

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut for a feature film

Producer

• Forest Whitaker
• Margot Hand
• Nina Yang Bongiovi
• Rebecca Hall

Writer

• Rebecca Hall (screenplay)
• Based on the novel by Nella Larsen

Budget
Estimated at $10 million

Production Company

• Significant Productions
• Picture Films
• AUM Group

Running Time
98 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mature themes
• Racial content
• Smoking
• Mild language

Movie Story
“Passing” is a powerful drama that explores themes of racial identity, societal norms, and the complexities of friendship in 1920s Harlem. The film is based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen and follows the story of two African American women, Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson) and Clare Kendry (Ruth Negga), who reconnect after years apart.

Irene is a middle-class woman who lives in Harlem with her husband, Brian (André Holland), and their two sons. She identifies as Black and is deeply involved in her community. In contrast, Clare, who is light-skinned, has chosen to “pass” as white and is married to John Bellew (Alexander Skarsgård), a wealthy white man who is unaware of her true racial identity and holds openly racist views.

When Clare and Irene’s paths cross unexpectedly, Clare expresses a longing to reconnect with her Black heritage and rekindle their friendship. Despite her initial reluctance, Irene becomes drawn into Clare’s world, and the two women form a complex bond marked by both admiration and jealousy. As Clare becomes increasingly involved in Irene’s social circle, the tensions between their different worlds begin to surface, leading to a series of events that challenge both women’s lives and identities.

The film is a nuanced exploration of identity, privilege, and the sacrifices individuals make to fit into society. It delves into the psychological and emotional toll of “passing” and the impact it has on personal relationships and self-identity. Through its intimate portrayal of Irene and Clare, “Passing” raises important questions about race, gender, and the social constructs that define us.

Special Effects
“Passing” is notable for its black-and-white cinematography, which creates a timeless, evocative atmosphere that enhances the film’s exploration of racial and social themes. The decision to shoot in black and white emphasizes the contrasts between light and dark, a visual metaphor for the film’s examination of race and identity. The cinematography is both elegant and intimate, capturing the emotional depth of the characters and the subtleties of their interactions.

Box Office Performance
“Passing” had a limited theatrical release before streaming on Netflix, where it received widespread critical acclaim. The film was praised for its performances, particularly those of Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, as well as for its direction, cinematography, and faithfulness to the source material. While it did not have a traditional box office run, the film garnered significant attention and discussion, particularly for its themes and visual style.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We’re all of us passing for something or other, aren’t we?” – Irene Redfield
• “It’s easy for a Negro to pass for white. But for a white person to pass for colored? Now that’s something.” – Clare Kendry

Behind-the-Scenes
“Passing” marks Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut, and the project was a deeply personal one for her, as she has spoken about her own family’s history with racial passing. The film was shot in black and white to evoke the era in which it is set and to underscore its themes of race and identity. The performances of Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga were widely acclaimed, with both actresses bringing depth and nuance to their roles. The film’s adaptation remained faithful to Nella Larsen’s novel, capturing its exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the tension between different worlds.

Awards

• Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Feature
• Independent Spirit Award nominations: Best Female Lead (Ruth Negga), Best Supporting Female (Tessa Thompson)
• NAACP Image Award nominations: Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture (Ruth Negga), Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Rebecca Hall)

Final Verdict
“Passing” is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking film that explores complex issues of race, identity, and societal expectations. Rebecca Hall’s direction, combined with the outstanding performances of Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, brings depth and emotional resonance to the story. The film’s black-and-white cinematography enhances its themes and adds a timeless quality to its exploration of racial passing and the personal and social consequences that come with it. “Passing” is a must-watch for those interested in films that tackle important social issues with nuance and artistry.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10