How Passing Was Adapted From Book To Netflix | But Have You Read The Book?

Passing tells the story of two women, Irene and Clare, whose lives become intertwined when they’re reunited. So how was this 100 year old story adapted for Netflix? Uzo Aduba sits with Passing‘s Rebecca Hall, Ruth Negga, and Andre Holland to uncover how this story went from book to screen.
0:00 - Welcome Netflix Book Club!
0:38 - Chapter 1: Why Adapt This Story?
3:48 - From Book to Screen w/ Tessa Thompson
5:27 - Chapter 2: Bringing Irene's Inner World to Life
7:21 - A Moment of Change
10:22 - Chapter 3: Passing and Queer Desire
14:10 - Chapter 4: That Ending spoilers
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How Passing Was Adapted From Book To Netflix | But Have You Read The Book
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[@patking5896]

This book deserves much more discussion about ‘passing’. OMG! The last scene was the ultimate “breaking” for Irene. Flower pot, tea pot, and lastly, Claire. I don’t think she intended for Claire to fall by the way her hand reached out in a protective manner. Much like a mother would move a child closer to protect them from harm. Now I’ll eagerly read the book.

[@DMovieman]

That last scene is so interesting because it seems like everyone interprets it so differently. Some think Claire purposely fell, and Irene tried to catch her, and some think Irene pushed her on purpose. I love all the varying takes on that, and I like how you broke your perspective down.

[@DivaDen]

@@DMovieman you can not attempt to catch someone in front of them and not with a hand behind them. Her arm stayed in that potion for quite some time as if I can't believe I pushed her or I can't believe she just fell backwards on purpose. To me is how it seemed.

[@comeagyn]

Ruth is so magnetic she makes you wanna keep watching and listening to whatever she's saying

[@ba7944]

So, first of all, I love that there is now a book club for Netflix movies because I prefer to read the books first. I read Passing earlier this week and watched the movie on Wednesday. I didn't even grasp that Hugh was gay from either the book or the movie so I will have to go back to both. It didn't even occur to me the mental break Irene was going through. The way they brought this book to life was incredible and definitely not just a movie you watch once.

[@ashleyjohnson1360]

How Ruth didn't get nominated or how Rebecca didn't get more recognization for this film is beyond me. Ruth put her whole foot in playing Clare. And for this to be Rebecca's first film directing and writing is absolutely incredible. Damn. The Academy is a joke.

[@vikkidonn]

It doesn’t fit the narrative to actually acknowledge that there are “white” people walking around who are really black people who have had their true identity actually hid in order for them to achieve things in this life…. Which would really shake up the political and social movements happening.

[@AnneBeamish]

I read "Passing" in university. The concept of passing is loaded and so interesting. I do wish they discussed it more. I really loved the way Uzo tried to bing the discussion back to the book.

[@ruthg7524]

The book, the film and this conversation are just brilliant.

[@pakiraju786]

This is a type of movie that you can’t just watch once.

[@beverleyreid7572]

I totally agree!!! So delicious & timely

[@gaelgarciabarchive]

watched it twice already... the clues suddenly making sense on second watch!

[@gollyolly]

This was excellent! I loved hearing a passage read from the book over the scene from the film. And I loved that the director explained why she chose to show a particular scene differently than how it was written in the book. Uzo Aduba is a wonderful host and really describes the themes so very well. I can’t wait for the next book pick!

[@Lizzeshade]

Passing is a modern masterpiece

[@kaiacane3354]

Yes

[@craptap2029]

I love Uzo Aduba. Great host

[@fadhilramadhani1847]

Renie will go crazy if she sees Clare and her husband on the same couch like this AGAIN🤣

[@beverleyreid7572]

You’re funny !

[@elwirabratkowska8389]

3k się

[@toshahartzog3665]

Just finished watching the movie. I had to play the ending back a few times. I honestly think that Irene was trying to protect her and ended up pushing her on accident…or maybe it wasn’t an accident

[@ramsaycarmichael]

irene pushed clare out of that window

[@jaded9388]

@@ramsaycarmichael maybe to you. But it looks more like she was trying to protect her

[@ramsaycarmichael]

@@jaded9388 then you must have completely missed the expression on irene’s face and the backward sweep of her arm. she wasn’t blocking bellew’s reach, she was pushing clare.

[@jaded9388]

@@ramsaycarmichael then you must’ve never read the book nor watched the maker of the film (Rebecca hall) talk about the ending. It’s intentionally left ambiguous. Meaning nothing is obvious or clear. So like I said, maybe TO YOU. But I still stand by my perception of Irene trying to protect her.

[@ramsaycarmichael]

@@jaded9388 i read nella larsen’s published works at least once a year. the means by which clare dies (at irene’s hands) is foreshadowed during irene’s party, when, distracted by her suspicion that brian is planning to run away with clare, irene drops and breaks a teacup. “There was a slight crash. On the floor at her feet lay the shattered cup [...] ‘Sorry [Hugh] apologized. ‘Must have pushed you.’ [...] ‘Did you notice that cup? [...] I’ve never figured out a a way of getting rid of it until about five minutes ago. I had an inspiration. I had only to break it and I would be rid of it forever.’”

[@mikalajonez]

how freaking cool to hear from rebecca hall and then from ruth ugh so gooood

[@UKLeonie]

Andre Holland is one of my favs, and I need to see him more. Andre in period pieces always gives me the best feeling "The Knick" & "Passing" deseeve all the rewatch.

[@catyoungworldwide]

I did a rewind 3 times trying to figure out what happened at the end! Fantastic film! As a Black woman from the south, I was very pleased with the translation of this film from book to screen.

[@carefulobservations5305]

My sister and I couldn’t wait to see this movie, and now I’m ordering the book. We are from LOUISIANA where “Passing” is still done to this day. It is so funny because “WE” (black) people can pick up on it more than whites can. It is known that the “Southwest” area of the state, you’ll meet people and think and discuss behind closed doors, as she said in the movie, “…things are not always as they seem.” This was a great discussion!

[@bellepierre24]

Is passing in Louisiana referred to as "passer blanche" (White passing in French) or does that refer to a Black person who looks White/ White presenting but doesn't conceal their race and is living as a Black person despite looking White?

[@happyjess853]

Omg..i might be weird but i am really happy to hear book club..it just cheers me up when i hear those words

[@beverleyreid7572]

This movie gave me all kinds of emotions. I loved all the characters soooo much. I had panic attacks right through. I will watch it again and again. A classic!!!

[@smileprayslay]

The open balcony , Claire’s hand, the husband advance all happening simultaneously. Makes me think her “passing” was fate. Also makes me think if in that moment they all wanted Claire to pass, including herself.

[@ariellediaz1227]

Love the bookclub, the book itself, and the movie.💞

[@blakrumba]

This is a brilliant idea! Thank you Uzo!! I wanted to read this book as soon as the film finished. I cried so much. It's beautiful.

[@whosthatchick5150]

I loved the whole layout of this interview and reading! I loved the film

[@beverleyreid7572]

Uzo is definitely a Queen!!! So talented.

[@suzy8109]

I find Tessa Thompson exquisite ... both in her stunning beauty, her nuanced acting, and her mellifluous voice. Anyone who has not listened to the Audible audiobook of "Passing" read by Tessa, you need to do so immediately.

[@charlespetrilla4915]

Beautiful characters on and off the screen! I love this idea.

[@HAVgiraffe]

Ok i really enjoyed this conversation so i am excited to see what book and movie/sereis we talk about next month! I can still remember the conversations i had in english class about this story so it was so fun seeing it live again in this film and the conversations it will bring up again.

[@lynnkoepke9932]

I agree. I also remembered reading a short story about Passing. An eye opener for me at a younger age.

[@jeh0193]

I'm still so shook by the ending!!! Just finished watching the movie. Loved this conversation about the book & film. Now I really want to read the book as I haven't read it before.

[@trinityantoinette]

I need more of this series !!! More Uzo! More comparative analyses ! This is brilliant

[@Neoldsoul]

Just finished listening to the audiobook 😊 excited for the convo!

[@VickiKolman]

I had never heard of this book before seeing this book club. I decided to read it before watching the film and then came and watched this episode. Passing is a completely foreign concept to me, I didn't know it was a thing which means it's helping raise awareness. It was a beautiful adaptation. My feeling is that Irene did not push Claire, in the book I thought Claire sent herself over the edge. When will we know the next book/film for this series? I think I'd like to follow along again.

[@jaimefurtado]

I learned so much! Thank you!

[@Jweidenkopf]

Love this! Keep it going!

[@aubreysalyers6601]

I’m ready for the December book to be announced! Thanks so much for this book club discussion - screen adaptations are my favorite!

[@bigdogsrescue]

Excellent all the way around. The book, the film, the interview. Bravo.

[@kdh1830]

I have a rule that I always read the book before I watch the screen adaptation. If I had known about this one I DEFINITELY would have read it first! This also made me thing of The Vanishing Half.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

This was a great discussion. Thank you. ❤

[@shanamarzette4790]

I had so many questions while watching the movie and NOW, I understand all my questions!

[@BonganiTau]

ahh, this is such a beautiful concept, I just finished watching the film moments ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Every character is so complex and layered, tons to learn from each one of them. I can't wait to get my hands on the book.

[@lwalker-smith4433]

Loved, loved, loved the movie but the ending shook me a bit! Super excited about this Book Club, though.

[@lea9977]

Excellent film. Love watching interviews to learn more on what I missed.

[@ixo015]

i love this! ❤️

[@ilovenycinspirational6436]

Loved this movie and I love Ruth and this was a great lovely interview and discussion

[@taehyung6889]

Here's my take: I feel Clair was trying to infringe on Renee's life to the point she lost her own, if you set back and watch the tourmaline Renee was going through the entire movie, you would see that she was capable of taken Clair's life. In the end it may appear as although she was protecting Clair from her enraged husband, but in actuality, she was really playing out her darkest fantasy of ending her.

[@deborahevans4259]

When you research Nella Larsen's life, you will see the connections to the story. Larsen was biracial and struggled around that issue all through her life.

[@OphelieH27]

thank you Netflix for this show!

[@drahaman]

So I love this idea!

[@lynnkoepke9932]

i haven't been this engrossed in a discussion since college. I was a Lit Major, remembered reading Zora Neal Thurston in a Harlem Renaissance class, so I watched the movie and entered into this discussion feeling like a kid again (I'm 75.) My confusion/question is is "Passing" an adaptation?

[@yahainHotPink]

"Passing" is written by Nella Larsen. Herself a mixed woman who must have been well aware of this phenomenon because of the environment she ended up growing up in.

[@grammaticalchainsaw7318]

Yes Passing is a novel i highly recommended

[@cleta2045]

I am just so interested in all of the commentaries that I've watched and read since watching the movie - and yes, I have read the book. I especially find the comments that follow each, in this case KZbin, video analyses. So, I am not offering mine here, but if I had my wish for a sequel I would like to see Marjorie's story after John realizes his daughter is Black - and definitely from a 1920's rather than a 2020's perspective. Really enjoyed this conversation.

[@helpmereach45ksubswithoutvideo]

These videos makes our days better

[@yahainHotPink]

Okay now!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jackweidenkopf7007]

Love this idea! Keep it going!

[@mactrek2]

I read the book nearly 20 years ago and thought it was very enlightening. I haven't watched the film, yet.

[@zacharyposner2091]

UZOOOO!

[@realkaylah4097]

This was amazing!

[@filmladyproduction]

Intelligent film Adaptation. Congrats!

[@dorothydanso9820]

What a book! And written a 100 years ago! Who will have the courage to portray this book on screen? My question after reading Nell Larsen's timeless phenomenal thriller has been answered! Brava, Rebecca Hall!

[@celestinesmith9691]

I loved the movie and I am going to find the book to read

[@CertainExposures]

What book is for the month of January and February? I haven't finished watching this video just yet in case you mention it. This seems like a great idea.

[@yahainHotPink]

Passing means that the person who is doing so is not usually Black only. But usually a mixed person rejecting their Black side and family.

[@camilia198773]

Good for Rebecca Hall for honoring her ancestors. She could've left is at "cool story bro". Instead she chose to shine that light on our history. It brings us all closer.

[@T_L_H]

Read Larson while working on my thesis nearly a decade ago

[@happyhubbs]

This movie should have gotten Oscar noms. For all the major categories…. best picture, best actress, director, screenplay, cinematography

[@LisaOfTroy]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the book for December?

[@loveclaire21]

Also wondering this

[@naomicampana]

Woah!

[@dickidsrip5262]

I read the book, I suppose i should watch the movie although the movie truly shocked me

[@glowlight69]

Rene pushed that chick over, she did not want her coming in her house. The way Rene crossed her hands behind her back and crossed her fingers, oh how steady were her hands then? Absolutely no shaking....🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@bohemienneprincesse8665]

Quality talk! Given its brevity, I'm surprised and disappointed the ending was revealed. (Perhaps I missed the warning; I now see it in the notes but don't recall hearing it in the conversation.)

[@jaded9388]

They didn’t say it because they put it on the page before they began talking about it

[@bohemienneprincesse8665]

@@jaded9388 Both protocol and a good practice to warn immediately before a spoiler. The warning must be explicit; stating you're about to discuss the ending isn't enough since plenty of reviewers discuss endings without specifying what took place. (In my response, I mention reading the note after viewing the discussion.)

[@jaded9388]

@@bohemienneprincesse8665 oh well. Reading is essential. Next time take them serious. Major spoiler alert means just that. Don’t risk it

[@bohemienneprincesse8665]

@@jaded9388 If you want to encourage participation then be open to useful criticism. There's plenty of reactionism going on. Take the advice or don't.

[@jaded9388]

@@bohemienneprincesse8665 make sure you follow the same advice you’re trying to give. There’s a reply option for a reason :).

[@yahainHotPink]

Read the book first. Have yet to see the film.

[@chuckenergy]

everyone's so engaged with the movie that i'm almost embarrassed to admit my fascination with tessa's choker 😂

[@clairewillow6475]

My husband is mixed. Half African American. He looks like his black side. My son looks like me and my husbands mom (his white side). My son. Well. He’s only 6 but I’m pretty sure he’s slowly starting to understand that his dad is black presenting and that I’m not. He learned about Martin Luther King Jr. In school this year which helped give us some context to talk a little bit about history with him in terms a first grader can kind of understand.

[@robertxavierbetancourtjuni8291]

How about Native American Retreat on a reservation or the Saint Kateri Tekawitha organization?

[@cathycuevas3370]

What is the next book to read?

[@penny4chz]

This is interesting. I had honestly wondered it Rebecca Hall was multicultural since I first saw her in The Town. I also understand how she saw her mom that way. She looks black to me. Also, Had I first seen her here I wouldn't have had that idea.

[@nguzoloveinlofi3832]

LOL! The publisher changed the book cover to show the actresses of the film...

[@galegriffith7519]

I think she was pushed. It felt that way although we didn’t actually read it or see it.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

why are the chairs higher than the sofa? they need to find chairs that are all the same size.

[@cancansaran2772]

Become more conscious than a philosopher and a psychologist by reading the book "Sacrosanct Intelligence".

[@courtneybenjamin2442]

I had no idea Hugh was supposed to be gay from the book or the movie. I also didn't realize Ruth has an Irish accent.

[@rvheem7702]

I am going to say something that will make people uncomfortable or unhappy but the film was okay, it could have been done better and I can put it down to many things but one of the most pertinent for me is that you have a white woman trying adapt and show a black woman’s struggle, because of this I feel that the film lacked the organic spark that would have made the film that more relatable and understandable for the audience as a whole….cinematically it was stunning but it lacked the soul I was hoping for….

[@princessdianaox]

Agreed

[@777videos7777]

It did lack a bit, and the discussions the director had about her intentions for the film were more interesting than what was actually accomplished. However, it was NOT because a ‘white woman’ brought this film to life that it was lacking. You are completely off on that one. One, because Rebecca Hall has “passed” over herself successfully to the point where you didn’t even seem to hear where she admitted that her mother and grandfather were Black, thereby making her the descendants of Blacks. Also, please remember that in the UK and other countries everyone doesn’t subscribe to America’s One Drop Rule. If Steven Spielberg can successfully bring “The Color Purple” to life in film don’t subscribe to the ignorant notion that a successful film has to be directed by someone who you think is Black enough.

[@rvheem7702]

@@777videos7777 I am from the U.K., she may have a quarter black in her but a black woman that does not make… She, Rebecca Hall, in my opinion is white…she is as mixed race as a normal human but I would put money, she says that she is white British when filling in Govt forms. The passing experience from a black perspective cannot be portrayed from a mixed race or a white perspective…the soul and experience that a black person feels in relation to having to mask their identity or truth cannot be shown, conveyed or produced by anyone other than someone from that background…that doesn’t even touch on that it also should be an American black person because the British lived experience is entirely different to that of our American brothers and sisters! And in regards to the remark you made on the colour purple, which is subjective on what defines a film as successful. I, found the film to be trash and another film just about black suffering that makes me roll my eyes…Denzel Washington has explain to reporters in regards to race that it’s not just about skin tone, it’s about the culture that does mean more… yes Steven Spielberg made the film and did a “good job” but a better job would have been done by a black person on cultural understanding alone….

[@courtneybenjamin2442]

@@777videos7777 Rebecca Hall is a white woman with African ancestry. She's not Black. So yes this movie was made by a white woman.

[@mikeccolella]

If we could only get beyond race! We are all God’s children!

[@ertfgghhhh]

When u pass, IT IS a rejection of being black in america for monetary gain/move up in caste system

[@powespjays]

I was surprised to find out that book was made into a film. Film was better.

[@chrissantiago7643]

Fear street was good rL stine is a genius

[@superamanda]

White multi racial identity isn’t a threat to Blackness unless you believe in policing other peoples choices.

[@alexalex-go7bc]

Am l crazy? Did any reviewers notice that neither lead actors looked like they could convincingly pass for white. The lighter skin character had only slight Caucasian facial features and her looked pasty. Also it was clear she was not a natural blond. She suggested to her girlfriend who is darker that she should pass as white too. And the scenes with her hostile white boyfriend were hilarious. How can he not see her facial features were not caucasian. Is he farsighted? Racist people are keen on white purity and surely his like minded friends, family would have noticed. Not to mention the laws and ordnances in place barring interracial relationships in those days. All this made me less interested in where the drama was going, with those nagging questions hanging in the air. Go see 'imitation of life' for real drama.

[@Honest000w]

Wow that lady almost looks white if you look really fast

[@deeznutz7064]

(Spoilers) My gosh Irene's murder of Clare was so brilliantly planned

[@jaded9388]

I don’t think the death was “planned”

[@TheTJW]

Passing is definitely a rejection of your black culture 🥴

[@ajs41]

The idea that there are pure races is ridiculous.

[@toobattohidi]

They made a film awfully! The leading character went to bed with makeup and designed hair! Even tiny things could make questions in your mind.