“Passing” (2021) Movie Review: A Subtle and Powerful Exploration of Race, Identity, and the Fluidity of Belonging

Passing (2021), directed by Rebecca Hall in her directorial debut, is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking film based on Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel of the same name. Set in 1920s New York, the film explores the lives of two light-skinned African American women—Reneé (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga)—who reconnect after years of separation. What begins as a reunion between old friends soon unravels into a delicate and intense exploration of race, identity, and the societal constructs that dictate how individuals navigate the world. Through its restrained direction and powerful performances, Passing offers a sharp and emotional meditation on the complexities of race, privilege, and the choices people make to survive.

Plot Overview

Passing follows the lives of two childhood friends, Reneé (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga), who reconnect by chance after years of separation. Both women are light-skinned African Americans, but they choose different paths based on their appearance and societal expectations.

Reneé lives a relatively conventional life as a middle-class African American woman married to a Black doctor, where she embraces her racial identity and navigates the complexities of her relationship with her husband and society. In contrast, Clare has chosen to “pass” as white, living with her white husband, John (Alexander Skarsgård), and enjoying the privileges that come with being perceived as white in early 20th-century America. This choice isolates Clare from her Black heritage, and as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Clare’s decision to live a life of racial passing has created deep inner conflicts and a fragile sense of identity.

The reunion between the two women rekindles their past relationship, and they develop a tense and complicated friendship. While Clare feels liberated by her passing privilege, she longs for the connection to her Black roots that Reneé offers. Reneé, on the other hand, becomes increasingly intrigued and conflicted by Clare’s life, particularly as she becomes more aware of the risks Clare faces in maintaining her secret. As the tension between the two women deepens, the film delves into the emotional and psychological costs of passing, and the consequences of the choices made when one is forced to live in a racially segregated society.

Themes of Race, Identity, and Social Constructs

At the heart of Passing is the theme of racial identity and the tension between how one identifies oneself versus how society identifies an individual. The concept of “passing” is explored in depth, showing how race in early 20th-century America was often seen as a rigid social construct that determined one’s opportunities and societal value. For Clare, passing as white allows her to live a life of privilege and relative freedom, but it also creates an emotional and psychological distance from her Black heritage and family. This disconnection manifests in her relationships, particularly with her husband, who remains unaware of her racial background, and with Reneé, who never stops seeing her as a Black woman, regardless of the exterior she presents.

The film masterfully examines the complex layers of identity—personal, familial, and societal—and the choices people make to navigate these boundaries. For Reneé, embracing her racial identity means living with the limitations imposed by society, including racism and prejudice. Yet, she also experiences moments of liberation that Clare, by virtue of her passing, cannot fully access. Passing poses the question of whether racial identity is something that is external and defined by the world, or something deeply personal and fluid, and the consequences that come with denying or embracing either part.

Another key theme explored in the film is the psychological toll of racial passing. For Clare, the need to constantly hide her true identity creates deep tension within her, as she must constantly perform and maintain the illusion of being white, even in intimate moments with her husband and daughter. This emotional labor is draining, and the film uses Clare’s internal struggle to highlight the precariousness of passing and the strain it places on a person’s sense of self. The consequences of Clare’s choices become more palpable as the film progresses, culminating in a tragic and thought-provoking conclusion.

Character Development and Performances

Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga deliver exceptional performances in their roles as Reneé and Clare, respectively. Thompson’s portrayal of Reneé captures the character’s internal conflict and the tension between her desire for normalcy and her awareness of the limitations of her racial identity. Reneé is a woman caught between two worlds—one where she must navigate the complexities of being a Black woman in America, and another where she must reckon with her curiosity and emotional connection to Clare’s life. Thompson’s performance is subtle yet powerful, allowing the audience to see the depth of Reneé’s struggle.

Ruth Negga’s portrayal of Clare is equally remarkable. Clare is an enigmatic figure, exuding charm and confidence while concealing deep inner turmoil. Negga skillfully brings out Clare’s vulnerability, portraying a woman who is both empowered by the privileges of passing and haunted by the sacrifices it requires. Clare’s longing for connection with her Black identity and her tenuous relationship with her husband are portrayed with nuance, revealing the complex emotional layers that drive her actions.

Alexander Skarsgård plays John, Clare’s white husband, who is oblivious to her racial background. Skarsgård’s performance adds to the tension, as John’s naivety and racial privilege create an atmosphere of discomfort when his actions and attitudes contrast with Clare’s carefully curated identity. His role in the film serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between the two women’s lives and the realities of racial passing.

Cinematography and Direction

The cinematography of Passing, by Eduard Grau, is striking in its use of black-and-white visuals, which not only evokes a sense of period authenticity but also symbolizes the stark racial divides explored in the film. The monochrome palette highlights the contrasts between the characters and the emotional tension between them. The subtle shifts in lighting, particularly during moments of heightened emotional intensity, underscore the psychological depth of the story and the characters’ inner turmoil.

Rebecca Hall’s direction is deliberate and patient, allowing the story to unfold gradually while exploring the complexities of race, identity, and friendship. The film is deeply contemplative, with moments of quiet tension that build toward a powerful climax. Hall’s ability to evoke the emotions of her characters through nuanced performances and understated direction makes Passing an emotionally rich and rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts

Passing (2021) is a beautifully crafted and emotionally complex film that explores the intricacies of race, identity, and the impact of societal constructs. Through its exceptional performances, particularly from Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, and its haunting cinematography, the film offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Rebecca Hall’s direction adds depth and subtlety to the narrative, making Passing a must-see film for anyone interested in themes of race, identity, and the complicated relationships that define our lives.

The film leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on the ways in which we define ourselves and the choices we make to navigate the social worlds we inhabit. Passing is a powerful meditation on the complexities of identity and the emotional toll of living in a world that demands we conform to rigid expectations.