“A precise and self-assured work from director Rebecca Hall.”—David Sims, The Atlantic
In the 1920s, mixed-race childhood friends Irene (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga) reunite in middle class adulthood and become increasing involved with one another’s lives and insecurities. While Irene identifies as African-American and is married to a successful black doctor, Clare “passes” as white and has married a prejudiced, but wealthy white man.
The dreamily atmospheric evocations of the 1920s Jazz Age exuberance are offset by the contained threat of Clare being unmasked. The film explores the intersections of identity in relation to race, gender, class, and sexuality.
Rebecca Hall’s feature debut Passing is a based on the 1929 Harlem Renaissance novel of the same name by Nella Larson. Hall has adapted the novel with great sensitivity upon reflecting on her own family’s history.
A selection of the Sundance Film Festival and nominated for five Gotham Independent Film Awards. With André Holland and Alexander Skarsgård. 2021, U.S., DCP, 98 minutes. Rated PG-13.