Based on the book of the same name by Nella Larsen, Passing is an important film that I think may educate a lot of people.
The term “passing” is one that has been around for decades. It’s a term that obviously means many things in the dictionary, but in the Black community it’s a term that often carries a very negative connotation. “Passing” is known in the Black community as the practice in which light-skinned African Americans choose to present themselves as white.
This is a topic that is very difficult to talk about and often a taboo subject which is why I am so happy the Netflix film Passing exists. As a Black person myself, I think this is an important topic that needs to be talked about. This film will definitely spark quite a few conversations.
You can check out the trailer for the film below.
This trailer for Passing is stunning, and I could not take my eyes off the screen. The cinematography draws you in from the very beginning and the black and white aspect only manages to further emphasize the message it’s going for. Also, how beautiful are Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga? They are absolutely magnetic and their connection speaks of an emotional film I can’t wait to watch as the trailer says, “nothing is black and white.”
Here’s the synopsis:
In 1920s New York City, Irene (Thompson) a Black woman finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with Clare (Negga), a former childhood friend who’s passing as white.
I feel like this synopsis doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of this story. And there is so much more I can talk about regarding this story, especially as a Black woman, but I am going to wait till I see the film because trust me, a review is coming and it will be very in-depth on the subject of passing so watch this space.
Starring alongside Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson are Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood, Big Little Lies), André Holland (Moonlight), Gbenga Akinnagbe (Modern Love), and Bill Camp (The Queen’s Gambit). The film was directed by Rebecca Hall (Dorian Gray).
Passing will be released on October 27th in select theaters and is available to stream on Netflix on November 10th.
