Passing

 

Passing is a drama based off of Nella Larsen’s 1929 novella of the same name. Set in 1920s New York City, it is a story of two long lost high school friends with very different lives, one passing for white, while the other lives authentically as African American. When they unexpectedly reunite it ignites a mutual fixation that threatens to destroy both of their lives.

The set design, costumes, hair and soundtrack were all perfectly curated to take you back in time. I also thought that the editing and metaphors were smart and well done.

The acting from both Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga were superb. They had an unspoken connection, an obsession, of sorts, with each other and also a deep seeded jealousy. These women did a great job leading this movie while playing opposites of the same coin. Tessa played Irene, a family focused, smart and passionate woman. Ruth played Clare, the life of the party, a fun flirty woman who uses her attributes to her advantage.

Normally I’m not a huge fan of monochromatic films but I felt like this was a really good choice for the cinematography. It played well on the phrase, "Nothing is ever black and white."  

Although the ending has been criticized I liked it and thought that it was wrapped up best by Nylah Burton for Refinery29, “Passing leans into the gray areas, refusing to give the audience anything resembling a clear answer... [it depicts the] deadliness of obsession, the dangers of covetousness, and what happens when intimacy and kinship go wrong.”