Passing (2021)
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Based on Harlem Renaissance's novel called "Passing", the film follows two women, Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson) and Clare Kendry (Ruth Negga), as they meet each other after many years, in a New York city's hotel, Drayton. They both sit at the dining table as they look around but don't see each other yet. But as soon as Clare notices Irene, their acquaintance begins again. Despite both being African American, because of the color of their skin, they can "pass" for whites. While Irene is married to a black man, Kendry chose to live life on the opposite side of the color line.
- Actors:
- Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, Bill Camp, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Alexander Skarsgård, Justus Davis Graham, Ethan Barrett, Ashley Ware Jenkins, Stu S. Becker, Tom White, Margaret Daly, Kerry Flanagan, Buzz Roddy, Derek Roberts, Amos J. Machanic, Amber Pickens, Samuel Coleman, Tatiana Marie Barber
- Directors:
- Rebecca Hall
- Producers:
- Nina Yang Bongiovi, Rebecca Hall, Margot Hand, Forest Whitaker
- Writers:
- Rebecca Hall, Nella Larsen
- Genres:
- Drama
- Collections:
- BAFTA Nominations Competition 2024
Reviews (1) of Passing
Assured Social Drama - Passing review by GI
A subtle, sensitive and interesting directorial debut from Rebecca Hall. It's very stylish, set in Prohibition era New York and shot in a crisp monochrome to finesse the colours as this is a film all about skin colour. It tells the story of two former high school friends, Irene (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga), both mixed race, who bump into each other one afternoon and re-bond. The main issue is that Clare has opted to 'pass' as white and indeed is married to racist John (Alexander Skarsgård). This shocks Irene but as the film plays out it reveals Irene too, married to a black doctor, is also leading a life that tries to pass as something beyond her. This is tragic tale, wonderfully told and it's a very self assured first film by Hall. The performances all show great sensitivity. It's well worth checking out.