---
title: "Passing"
year: 2021
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/passing-2021"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 541524
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 98
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Passing (2021) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/passing-2021

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Passing is a 2021 historical drama film written and directed by Rebecca Hall in her feature directorial debut, adapted from the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen. Set in 1920s New York City, the film follows a Black woman whose world is upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who is passing as white.

The film stars Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, and Bill Camp. It addresses heavy material without belaboring its points, presenting a dramatic narrative grounded in its historical New York setting and literary source material.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A Black woman's world is upended in 1920s New York City."

### Why Watch
- It is a feature directorial debut written and directed by Rebecca Hall.
- It is adapted from the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen.
- It features a cast including Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, and Bill Camp.

### Caveats & Content Note
- It deals with heavy material that may not appeal to viewers looking for light entertainment.
- Tone & Suitability: It is a historical drama featuring heavy material that does not belabor its points.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #1920s-new-york-city, #historical-drama, #childhood-friends, #identity, #feature-directorial-debut

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/passing-2021#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Rebecca Hall
- **Networks / Studios**: Picture Films, Significant Productions, Flat Five Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tessa Thompson** as *Irene Redfield*
- **Ruth Negga** as *Clare Kendry*
- **André Holland** as *Brian Redfield*
- **Alexander Skarsgård** as *John Bellew*
- **Bill Camp** as *Hugh Wentworth*
- **Gbenga Akinnagbe** as *Dave*
- **Antoinette Crowe-Legacy** as *Felise*
- **Justus Davis Graham** as *Ted*
- **Ethan Barrett** as *Junior*
- **Ashley Ware Jenkins** as *Zulena*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream Passing?
Passing is available to stream on Netflix.

### Q: Whether Passing is worth watching?
It is a historical drama directed by Rebecca Hall and adapted from Nella Larsen's 1929 novel, featuring performances by Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga.

### Q: What is the runtime of Passing?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.

### Q: What is the release date of Passing?
Passing was released in the United States on October 27, 2021.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Passing — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/541524)
- [Passing (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passing_(film))
- [Passing (2021) | Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/passing_2021)
- [Passing (2021) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8893974/)
- [Passing movie review & film summary - Roger Ebert](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/passing-movie-review-2021)
- [Watch Passing | Netflix Official Site](https://www.netflix.com/title/81424320)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*