Passing
Seen it?2021 | 98 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it collected a shelf of major awards, though it had a box office flop and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In 1920s New York City, a Black woman finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who's passing as white.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Female, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Cinematography. Also nominated for 1 Golden Globe, 1 SAG Award and 4 BAFTAs. Plus 13 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; spent 1 week in Netflix's global Top 10; interest faded quickly after launch
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 147K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Rebecca Hall
- Tessa ThompsonIrene Redfield
- Ruth NeggaClare Kendry
- André HollandBrian Redfield
- Alexander SkarsgårdJohn Bellew
- Bill CampHugh Wentworth
- Gbenga AkinnagbeDave
- Antoinette Crowe-LegacyFelise
- Justus Davis GrahamTed
- Ethan BarrettJunior
- Ashley Ware JenkinsZulena