The Guardian
(Passing) features a scene-stealing Ruth Negga but a disappointing lack of verve...
Full review
Passing
Tessa Thompson (Thor: Ragnarok) and Oscar nominee Ruth Negga (Loving) lead writer-director Rebecca Hall's Sundance award-nominated feature debut about two Black women who can "pass" as white but choose to live on opposite sides of the colour line during the height of the Harlem Renaissance in late 1920s New York. Co-stars André Holland (Moonlight) and Emmy winner Alexander Skarsgård (Big Little Lies).
An adaptation of Nella Larsen's 1929 novella, the story follows Irene Redfield (Thompson) and Clare Kendry (Negga). After a chance encounter reunites the former childhood friends one summer afternoon, Irene reluctantly allows Clare into her home, where she ingratiates herself to Irene’s husband (Holland) and family, and soon her larger social circle as well. As their lives become more deeply intertwined, Irene finds her once-steady existence upended by Clare.
Being of mixed race, Hall explained the appeal of adapting Larsen's novel: "I came across the novel at a time when I was trying to reckon creatively with some of my personal family history, and the mystery surrounding my biracial grandfather on my American mother's side. In part, making this film is an exploration of that history, to which I've never really had access."
Less202198 minsUSA, UKAUM Group
DramaHistorical
Passing | Reviews
Less about explosive in-your-face racism and more about the emotions raging under the seemingly calm exterior of its characters (Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga). Beautifully shot in 4:3 aspect ratio and monochrome, Rebecca Hall brings to life a bygone era that looked lovely but had a hideous underbelly.
90%240 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Entertainment Weekly
(Passing) feels like an actor's film... nearly every scene filled with careful silences and subtext.
Full review
RogerEbert.com
There are aspects... that feel a bit too preciously rendered... but this is a drama that will have people talking when it’s released.
Full review
Variety
A superbly performed study of racialised longing and feminine dissatisfaction... lit by searing intelligence and compassion.
Full review
Screen Daily
A psychologically rich character study that slowly builds in tension until it becomes nearly unbearable.
Full review
Total Film
A visually stunning directorial debut that's too intimidated by the original source material to be effective.
Full review
Passing | Release Details
Passing is available to stream in New Zealand now on Netflix.