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Passing 2021
Passing is a 2021 historical drama film written and directed by Rebecca Hall in her feature directorial debut. Based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen, set in 1920s New York City, the story centers on the intertwined lives of a Black woman (Tessa Thompson) and her white-passing childhood friend (Ruth Negga). Supporting cast includes André Holland, Bill Camp, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, and Alexander Skarsgård. The film was shot in black-and-white.
The movie made its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021 and started a limited theatrical release on October 27, 2021, before becoming available on Netflix on November 10.
Critics acclaimed the film, particularly praising Hall's screenplay and direction, as well as the acting of Thompson and Negga. It was listed among the top ten films of 2021 by the African American Film Critics Association. Negga received nominations for the Golden Globe Award, the BAFTA, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.
The film’s reception sparked discussions about literary adaptation, focusing on narrative choices, character portrayal, and representation in the context of its source material.
Cast
- Tessa ThompsonIrene "Reenie" Redfield
- Ruth NeggaClare Bellew
- André HollandBrian Redfield
- Bill CampHugh Wentworth
- Alexander SkarsgårdJohn Bellew
- Gbenga AkinnagbeDave Freedland
- Antoinette Crowe-LegacyFelise
- Ashley Ware JenkinsZu
Crew
- Director
- Rebecca Hall
- Screenplay
- Rebecca Hall
- Producer
- Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, Margot Hand, Rebecca Hall
- Cinematography
- Eduard Grau
- Editing
- Sabine Hoffman
- Music
- Dev Hynes
Details
- Production
- Film4, Flat Five Productions, Gamechanger Films, Picture Films, Significant Productions, Sweet Tomato Films
- Distributor
- Netflix
- Budget
- $10 million
