Passing

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Black-and-white films are something I'll always cherish, but when these two colors become part of the narrative itself, then I can only expect a great movie. Passing approaches the fear of being colored due to obvious reasons of the film's period, and it does so in a necessarily disturbing, emotionally investing manner. Tessa Thompson (Irene) plays in the colored side while Ruth Negga (Clare) enjoys the privileges of passing as white. A captivating story unravels with Irene and Clare feeling envious of each other. If the former desires the latter's (external) happiness, Clare feels terrible for not possessing the same principles and morals a...

Passing, based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen, is and elegant and sophisticated film. Its drop-dead gorgeous to look at, and the lead performances from Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga are absolutely fabulous. Rebecca Halls restrained direction adds to the beauty of the film, as does Eduard Graus handsome black and white cinematography. Theres so much about this project to praise, but you may hear some refer to the movie as nuanced which is nothing more than a polite way to say boring.

Refined, upper-class black woman Irene (Thompson) enters a fancy tearoom in a swanky New York City hotel. Across the table, she spots a blonde woman (Negga) staring her down. It turns out the two knew each other when they were younger, but fate has brough...

Tessa Thompson is "Renie" - married to successful doctor "Brian" (André Holland), who heads for some tea after a long day and encounters childhood friend "Clare" (Ruth Negga). She doesn't immediately recognise her because she has little colour in her skin... Indeed, as the story pans out even her husband, the pretty openly bigoted "John" (Alexander Skarsgård) has no idea that his wife is negro. "Clare" is pretty lonesome, and soon finds solace and popularity amongst her friend's friends who find her charming and vivacious - traits "Renie" possesses in scan quantity. What now ensues is a gentle observational look as how the relationship between the women, and the former's husband, children - even her maid, develop. The film is very easy to w...