Passing
Overview
Passing is a 2021 historical drama film written and directed by Rebecca Hall, based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. The film stars Tessa Thompson as Irene Redfield, a light-skinned Black woman who lives in Harlem, and Ruth Negga as Clare Kendry, her childhood friend who is "passing" as white. They reconnect after many years, and their friendship forces them to confront issues of race, identity, and privilege. The film is a beautiful, black-and-white, and subtle exploration of the complexities of race in 1920s America. It was a critical success, praised for its performances, its direction, and its cinematography. Ruth Negga gives a powerful, scene-stealing performance as the tragic Clare. The film was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Actress for Ruth Negga. The film is a masterpiece of quiet, nuanced storytelling.
