Black and white in Rebecca Hall's black-and-white film "Passing."

Passing / Twitter
Passing / Twitter

"Passing" is a film that addresses the issue of racial identity, racial and class inequality faced by African Americans at the time, as well as all the privileges enjoyed by those with fair skin enough to be perceived as white. , and thus accepted in society.

After the successful debut at this year's Sundance Film Festival, the award-winning white film "Passing" was recently added to the Netflix streaming platform and made available to the general public.

Based on the novel of the same name from 1929 on Nela Larsen, "Passing" is the director's directorial and screenwriting debut Rebecca Hull ("The Prestige", "Awakening", "Iron Man 3", "The BFG", "Godzilla Vs. Kong"), where they play the main roles Tessa Thompson, Ruth Nega, Andre Holland, Bill Camp и Alexander Skazgard.

Passing / Twitter
Passing / Twitter

As the title suggests, "Passing" is a film that delves into the issues of racial identity, racial and class inequality that African Americans faced at the time, as well as all the privileges enjoyed by those who have enough light. skin to be perceived as white, and thus accepted in society.

Hence the symbolism behind the decision of Rebecca Hall to make a black-and-white film, a move that clearly outlines the then (and present) differences between the lives of members of both races.

Rebecca Hull / EPA / GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO
Rebecca Hull / EPA / GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

What does it mean to be a black man who "passes" as a white man in America?

"Passing" tries to answer that question, following the story of two black women living in 1920s New York, but still in two completely different worlds.

Passing / Twitter
Passing / Twitter

Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson) is a light-skinned black woman living in Harlem. Her life is much better than that of most blacks living in America at the time. She is a prominent figure in the local black community, organizes events and attends numerous parties. Her husband Brian (Andre Holland), who is also black, works as a doctor, providing his family with a stable financial situation and a peaceful life in a large house.

Nevertheless, Irene cannot accept the racial discrimination faced by other blacks around her, and her unrest is further aggravated when she accidentally meets and associates with Claire Bellew (Ruth Care), her childhood friend.

Claire is also a light-skinned black woman who was raised by her white aunts after her father's death. But what is a key difference between Aydin and Claire is that Claire is abusing the fact that she can "pass" as white. In order to gain social privileges and secure a safer and easier life, Claire lives in a sea of ​​lies, self-acceptance, and guilt. She is married to Hugh (Alexander Skazgard), a white man who openly expresses his hatred of blacks, completely unaware that his wife is one of them.

The moment Irene realizes what is happening, she begins to avoid Claire, unable to accept her hypocrisy. On the other hand, Claire, who is deeply dissatisfied, unhappy and lonely, admits that she is inspired by the strength and courage of Irene who sincerely lives in her own skin. Claire begins to return to Irene home more and more often uninvited, to hang out with her family and friends, and to conquer them with her charm and unusual beauty.

This behavior arouses Irene's impatience and jealousy, marking the moment when the film acquires a new, completely universal and human dimension, not so much based on racial identity as on female. The tragic end only confirms all the terror and injustice that black people face to this day.

Passing / Twitter
Passing / Twitter

Can we choose our own identity?

"Passing" is a beautifully recorded delicate and thoughtful critique of society and the perpetual racial and class struggles of members of non-white racial groups, and Tessa Thompson и Ruth Care are fantastic in their roles, seamlessly capturing the contrasting ideals and principles of both women.

Impressive costume design brings the 1920s to life in an authentic way, while the music of Devante Hines, depicts the internal and mutual conflict of black women who "pass" as white.

With its slow pace, heavy atmosphere and dark layers, "Passing" challenges the viewer to think about this topic from multiple perspectives, regardless of their racial background, asking countless questions about the possibility of choosing their own identity and the consequences that follow.

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