Netflix is bringing Nella Larsen's critically acclaimed novel Passing to life on screen. Set during the height of the Harlem Renaissance in 1920s New York, the story follows two Black women named Irene (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga) who can "pass" as white but lead very different lives. While Irene celebrates Black culture with her family, Clare "passes" as a white woman. After a chance encounter, the former childhood friends reconnect, and their lives become complexly intertwined.
The film, which is directed and written by Rebecca Hall [1], first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and is set to hit Netflix later this year. On Tuesday, the streamer offered the first glimpse of the upcoming film, which is shot completely in black and white. Ahead, watch the first trailer and learn more details about the upcoming movie.
Passing Plot
Based on Nella Larsen's 1929 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of two Black women who can "pass" as white but lead very different lives during the height of the Harlem Renaissance in late 1920s New York.
Passing Cast
In addition to Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga's starring roles as Irene and Clare, the cast also includes André Holland, Alexander Skarsgard, Bill Camp, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, and Ashley Ware Jenkins.
Passing Release Date
The film originally had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on 30 Jan. It is scheduled to have a limited theatre release on 27 Oct. before hitting Netflix on 10 Nov.