Passing 12A

Set in 1920s New York, Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut Passing sees two childhood friends reunite in adulthood, becoming increasingly involved in one another’s lives and insecurities. While Irene (Tessa Thompson) identifies as African American and is married to a Black doctor, Clare “passes” as white, and is married to a wealthy, prejudiced white man.

A sensitive and assured adaptation of Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel, Hall’s film is an intimate story of two women and an exploration of identity in relation to race, gender, class and sexuality. Shot in black and white, and using the Academy 4:3 ratio to reflect the containment and claustrophobia of the narrative, Passing is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant first film.