Let’s Discuss Passing

[@pattycannon1804]

How you look plays a huge factor when it comes to the opportunities you receive and how people treat you.

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

I know all to well what your saying

[@quwandathornton]

Even til today

[@Jess-ew3tm]

I thought this was a worldwide known thing already

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

@@quwandathornton especially today when EVERY BODY IS ATTACKING Black Women

[@raesweety]

@@Jess-ew3tm it is, it always has been

[@kawaiipotatolewis9507]

“Everyone in this film is passing for something” so true!!!

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

I agree

[@Laura-sg6ss]

Indeed

[@R.A.A.]

@Fit Body Hacks I don’t think there’s a comparison between watching a film & reading a book. Only one relying solely on our imagination. In fact this comment [YOU ARE READING MY WORDS WITH YOUR IMAGINATION] You can add specific tone, specific aspects... many things that not necessarily real but based on how you wanna respond.

[@charliejaxx6152]

I agree I think that's why she didn't care that Claire was moving in on her husband.

[@Da1TruArtistPup]

Fr

[@london2522]

Something I took from the movie was Claire was passing as a white woman but Irene was also behaving in similar privileged ways as a white woman would. The way her kids treated her, her reluctance to mention race, her access to the other side of town, and her relationship with zu. Especially when you compare zu’s relationship with Claire.

[@kayayy]

Yes!

[@kmayfield1987]

I totally agree!!

[@Laura-sg6ss]

Yep!! She was hopping there and back. I believe if she could just hop between with no issue she would. If she was accepted as just part of both communities I think she would have preferred that

[@ShyShyRich]

Her husband was begging and pleading with her to leave the USA and she couldn’t see where he was coming from for the life of her! She doesn’t have the same black experience that her darker husband and kids do in the USA

[@vampiren0kitty]

@@ShyShyRich true. I feel like see saw being back was choice but that's just not how it is for most people

[@Onelovekeepcalm]

Also it's "funny" that now in the 2000s things are opposite and people are trying to pass as (mixed/biracial) black and benefitting from it. meanwhile they are fully whyte

[@mlynettepinky595]

It's still people who are passing for White, trust and believe Beings able to pass for White, gives them white privilege J Edgar Hoover the director of FBI was passing for White.

[@Onelovekeepcalm]

@@mlynettepinky595 Yeah people are still passing as white.. but it's crazy that there are actual whyte people now wanting to pass as mixed black now.. If in 1920 you whould of said that there whould come a time where whyte people willingly wanna pass as mixed black people, they whould call you crazy 😅

[@NanaNaima1]

@@Onelovekeepcalm they're passing for the views and opportunities online, they probably take off the features when they go outside

[@paisleyjones214]

@@mlynettepinky595 if you can pass for white, then you are white.

[@dd8645]

As white women, they are basic. However, when they put on their tan, they get the immense amount privilege light skin women have in the black community, which i guess some prefer.

[@sade304]

Irene not wanting her boys to learn about racism is privilege at its finest. One that she can use but her kids cannot.

[@MadiCakez]

I seem to be the only person who got the impression that Clare was sleeping with Irene's husband. Remember when Clare said she couldn't stay for dinner bc she had plans? Then Irene said, "Oh, that's funny. My husband has to work tonight too..." Her words faded off and she watched the 2 of them say good bye. And he kept in touch with her when Irene cut her off and invited her to his party. And they always looked to be whispering.

[@kachyn_]

Oh trust me, you're not the only one

[@Da1TruArtistPup]

EXACTLY

[@fideletamo4292]

I don't Know, but the way clare was acting in presence of Irène husband was clearly inapropriate..

[@ladykay5595]

I thought they were having an affair as well! Claire and the husband was always talking to each other.

[@Faisaluvs]

You're not the only one but I think we start to see Irene's perspective getting blurred like even when she goes down the stairs that night and sees them talking they're much closer to each but then you realize from their point of view they aren't that close. little things like that.

[@OurLadyLaLa]

This film gave me Great Gatsby vibes. Attempting to pass as someone you’re truly not will can be so taxing it will literally kill you.

[@raleemay]

It did have similar themes 🤔

[@paolaalmontegomez195]

I feel like Irene was really jealous of Claire being able to navigate both black and white spaces so confidently. Everyone seemed to love her on both sides whereas Irene felt like she couldn’t fit in anywhere. Claire’s relationship with the housekeeper and Irenes boys and husband came naturally to her in comparison Irene couldn’t really connect authentically with anyone but Hugh maybe cos they really are both passing for straight? I don’t know for someone who wasn’t being authentically herself (Claire passing as white ) she was really the most authentic character in some sense.

[@kaneisha7473]

There are so many emotions at play. Jealousy is def one. But Claire couldn’t navigate white life confidently or at least not comfortably which is why she was always trying to escape and be with/be Irene. I get the vibe that Claire was a really fun loving person and a seductress. Those two make her irresponsible. She was the let your hair down type. Irene is uptight make sure it’s right. More of a prude and less of a risk taker. Irene was jealous of the love Claire got but somewhat disgusted by it. She decided to lessen her self by marrying a white man and have her call him a nigger everyday. She lacked self-respect. She masked herself everyday unless she was with Irene and her people. Then she wanted to come parading around like the most confident woman. Claire was dangerous Admitting that she would do whatever she wanted to get what she wanted. Irene knew what she was capable of, and Irene knew that Claire wanted her life. Had Claire lived on it was only a matter of time before she replaced Irene. She wanted her husband, her kids, friends, and to be fully black.

[@nickihendrix8772]

I think Irene pushed her ass out that window because Claire was plotting on her husband. In that last party scene it felt like Claire wanted to be found out. And Irene asked if she got found out what would she do. Claire looked at her and was like I would move back to Harlem…with you. Irene almost fell out when she said that lol 😂

[@starrtreckkk3846]

i cantttt!! 😭👏🏾 now that im thinking abt it... i agreee.

[@Lonnielonni]

I do think that Irene pushed her out the window but I don’t think it was intentionally! Ok so hear me out y’all, after Claire’s husband realized that Irene was black and Irene asking Claire what would she do if her husband found out about Claire herself, her husband finally showed up to the party (maybe Irene called him? maybe he was just following his wife 🤷🏽‍♀️ my guess is after the encounter with Irene and the dark skin woman on the street Claire’s husband just put two and two together) Now Irene, Claire and the husband are at the window and if I remember correctly the husband goes to lunge at Claire and Irene puts her hand out to block him from getting to her. I think by her doing that she accidentally made Claire fall out of the window!! maybe she did it subconsciously in attempt to protect her friend. Unfortunately putting her hand out would ultimately be her friends down fall (no pun intended) It was a mix of resentment and pity that played a part in Claire’s death. Resentment because Irene has always had this perception of Claire that she was always well liked, popular and beautiful *wink wink* almost perfect even, that’s been clear even before we see them together in their present. And pity because she knows the truth behind Claire’s pain. Being dissatisfied with being a mother and missing a sense of camaraderie with black people that she can’t have. also I think that Irene was the last person to go downstairs because it took her so long from aftershock to realize what had happened while everyone is sitting there calling it an accident Irene can’t say anything because then she would absolutely 100% get arrested and ofc his white ass (Claire’s husband) would be walking free🤮 he still walked free 🤮🤮

[@Lonnielonni]

@@sagittariusblack2879 WTH are you talking about ??? Please go away 😭😭😭

[@ashleyreannaa293]

@@Lonnielonni right !!!

[@angelafuller2858]

I totally agree. I think Irene pushed her. I would have too! Especially since Claire made that comment.

[@digimonalvatrax2738]

I'm actually glad that the film touched on how happiness for some women is not in marriage and having kids. But back in the day there was almost no escape.

[@krazyjnva2up2down55]

No escape 😂😂. Explain what is a womans #1 role in life, please. A companion right?

[@zaboselma8826]

@@krazyjnva2up2down55 what

[@Asterix_Angel33]

@@krazyjnva2up2down55 independence.

[@krazyjnva2up2down55]

@@Asterix_Angel33 That's not what the christian, catholic , Jewish, Muslim books teach us. It clearly says companion! A womans ONLY reason was to be a companion because it's not good for a man to be lonely.

[@Asterix_Angel33]

@@krazyjnva2up2down55 Shut your ass up. Idc what those books tell me. Independence is truly what a woman and frankly everyone sould look for.

[@auroraseyets8516]

Irene is terrified while in the midst of passing because she knows how dangerous it is and the repercussions if she were caught. It seemed like Irene was uncomfortable with Clare getting close to her husband. But Irene doesn’t like to face up to reality period. When Irene saw Clare’s husband in the street and froze and ignored him when he tried to speak I think that’s when Clare’s husband started doing his research and Irene knew that the gig was probably up and so when she asked Clare what she would do if her husband found out she was passing and Clare said she’d come and live in Harlem with her and her family that’s when Irene knew she had to protect what was hers. It seems that, even though it’s not elaborated on, in their childhood there were some bitter experiences that rubbed Irene the wrong way even though she took everything so well (as Clare put it), and maybe Irene did nothing want a replay of becoming invisible again if Clare were to make good on her threat and come to Harlem…I think Irene pushed Clare to protect what she felt was hers. Remember Clare said she didn’t care who she hurt to get what she wanted. Irene believed her and beat her to the punch…. At least that’s how I see it.

[@Videodiaries120]

I just watched the movie, and read your comment. I agree with you! I think Irene for sure felt some sort of inferiority or insecurity with Clare. Especially since she saw how much her kids and husband loved Clare. She might've felt she would've "taken her life" if she didn't stop her.

[@bejbet1217]

I totally agree 💯 I think the way you interpreted this film was very accurate

[@missy1e23]

I think the way you're describing the film is a bit more accurate. I think the nuances and subtleties get misidentified, even ignored, if the viewer comes from a different background.

[@Preciious2008]

Oooooooohhhhhh that's a good observation!!! Wow!!!!!

[@auroraseyets8516]

@@missy1e23 I was thinking the exact same thing. The black American experience is unique in many ways.

[@dykingout2018]

the lesbian energy was subtle BUT evident and i love how Irene both loved and hated (imo) Clare for disrupting the reality she had created for herself, while not realising the same was for Clare.

[@Faisaluvs]

@@sagittariusblack2879 Woh! You do know that the Director is a white woman from England who made this her literal life's work for 15 years because she found out the grandfather had passed? I felt a way when I found out she was doing Larsen's book but we can have allies you know?

[@Faisaluvs]

@@sagittariusblack2879 oh my bad lol

[@leavemeal0ne378]

@@sagittariusblack2879 So African s shouldn't talk about AA's why. Because I under stand we don't go through slavery but we do go thorough colonization.

[@likeitsgoldn9200]

@@sagittariusblack2879 Okay so what about those African’s who are first generation American. Born and raised,. Are these issues not there’s to discuss either, considering that it’s American history, doesn’t that make it their history? There’s layers to this, and the aggression you’re radiating is so intense I can feel it through the screen.

[@EnlightenedGoldenBeauty]

@@likeitsgoldn9200 We are still two distinct groups, and if I went to Africa, and had children there, I would still consider them Ados by blood, and not a true African. This is the reason we are making this distinction, because you can’t come after this nation was built, especially one Gen, and feel like we are one in the same. That’s disrespectful and it’s the same reason why foreign still wave their flags after many generations here

[@CS-gh3qh]

There was tension between the two but I don’t necessarily think it was sexual in nature. They both longed for the other’s life. Claire wanted Irene’s position and Irene wanted Claire’s position. So there was a deep longing that may have appeared erotic but it was obsession with each other’s life. Claire kept commenting how good Irene was and how ruthless she could be in the pursuit of getting what she wanted. Claire was purposely moving in on Irene’s life while simultaneously pushing Irene out of it. This is what was increasing Irene’s anxiety. Claire captivated Irene’s husband, children and friends. Irene became almost a shadow in her own life. You could see Claire and Irene intensely staring at each other because they both knew Claire’s agenda. Irene had internalized that she was beneath Claire so she became even more passive. She did try to prevent Claire by not inviting her to that party or following up with her letter but Irene was becoming increasingly passive (note PASSive). Little did Claire know, Irene was more than capable of being as ruthless if not even more ruthless than Claire in getting what she wanted. Irene wanted Claire gone. She tried the to ice her out of social events but her husband sought Claire out. Her children asked for Claire’s presence in the home. Her friends requested Claire’s attendance at their functions. Irene needed to get rid of Claire once and for all. So she called Claire’s husband & confirmed his suspicions that Claire was not pure white. (He suspected for years but was in denial and him running into Irene in the street heightened the suspicion). Irene told him where the party was located. But I don’t think Irene thought it would go that far right in front of her.

[@OHoneyPot]

This is the BEST synopsis of the entire film. Wow‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@itsci]

I didn’t think she told him but now since you mentioned it this exactly what might’ve happened because she was on the phone for awhile.

[@naonomtm9123]

This is exactly what I took away from the film ~ thanks for putting it into words.

[@deej5608]

Do you not remember the letter that Claire sent to Irene that Irene's husband read to her???? She sounded like a old lover coming in contact with an ex that she still wanted to be with and Irene was not trying to give her the play. Claire said she would go to her post office everyday hoping she'd send her a letter back to the point where everyone thought she was waiting on a man's letter but the man basically ditched her and she was so embarrassed but still kept going until basically it forced her to go find her and Harlem. Irene who doesn't even get sexual with her husband after talking to Claire about how Claire always found her attractive is in bed with her husband talking about how pretty Claire is finally gives him a kiss. Irene in the dance holding of her hand and then Claire extinctively lets it go cuz she doesn't want to get caught. Walking up to Claire to take off her coat and cover her legs and feet. There was QUEER VIBES ALL OVER THIS. Remember Irene told Clara to dance with her husband and even when she saw Claire become flirtatious with him the first time she opted out of going out with them and allowed them to be alone together. She did not want to leave to go out of the country if she felt some type of way she would have left already. She wanted the f*** Claire and Claire would have happily obliged

[@fideletamo4292]

@@deej5608 you right it is clearly said that they are lesbians...but Irène was so embarassed to see claire flirting with her husband, i'm wondering if clare wanted to take Irène husband or just be with Irène...

[@CGKittenz]

Did you catch the dynamic between Irene and the ds housekeeper? And that relationship between the same housekeeper and Claire? I think it was so interesting. You can tell the housekeeper feels a way about Irene. Maybe a common thread in why boys really don't respect her too. There is something off with Irene.

[@lowcalgyal406]

yeah she thought she was better than Clare given that she didnt do the passing thing but she used her light skin privilege all the time. she was essentially no different imo

[@candygurl427]

It was blaring like when Irene sat down and the poor Zu cooking and have to run up the stairs and answer the phone she is sitting next to. Or when the husband said .. she does have to spend time with her family as well… this movie was sooo good.. just layers on layers

[@CGKittenz]

@@candygurl427 For me it's so many scenes. Like when Irene drops the plant outside the window and Zo had to stop what she's doing to clean it up while Irene did nothing, or telling Zo she had to stop cooking to clean the boys room, or when Zo and Claire were sitting outside talking and laughing and Irene was commanding her to go back inside to work. Look at how Zo subtly ignored her at first. Irene is no different than those white Miss Annes...in that regard she is definitely passing for white but not just in looks.

[@rf3575]

For Irene... why hide in the shadows and be on edge in the white community, when you can use that same whiteness at be at the undisputed TOP in the black community. But also in the back of here head, maybe it is woth it to be on edge over there than at the top over here. As mixed women, is Irene not also passing as Black.... which is more the modern day passing

[@MixtiMusic]

Claire in the book was raised by her white side and forced to be their maid so she sympathizes. Irene doesn’t have that experience.

[@lightskinguilt5622]

This was common in a lot of Black American families here in the US, so I don’t understand the intrigue. Most of our elders only did it for financial gain. Passers played some of the biggest roles in Social issues in the Black community.

[@firstnationfall5451]

Very true.

[@Ashley-vs8nu]

Was..its common NOW TOO😬

[@eiram31]

watch the film. Passing is just one part of it and actually not the most important part.

[@firstnationfall5451]

@@Ashley-vs8nu Yes people chose one ethnicity over another nowadays but long-ago it was more of a challenge as society was different then.

[@Ashley-vs8nu]

@@firstnationfall5451 I actually would say it might have been easier in days gone by. Nowadays people can look up/research virtually anyone with just a click of a button and perhaps a few dollars. Before, people could start lives and CAREERS all over the U.S. It would be nothing for a whole 1st wife to show up to her husband's funeral and shock an entire family who believed he was a dedicated father and pastor of the town. J/s🤷‍♀️ ("papa was a rolling stone" didn't come from no where)

[@melissabx7807]

My mother is a very light skinned woman, so much so that when she was younger she could easily pass for a white woman. She is not biracial, both her parents were black, but I believe a great grandfather was white. She was born in the Deep South of Alabama and worked as a maid in the mid/late 1950’s. To my knowledge she’s never passed, we also lived in Harlem, very culturally black lives. She has recounted to me how terrifying and horrific life was in the south to the point where until after she came to NY she never even looked white people in the eye. Passing at that time could literally mean survival. Can’t wait to show her this movie and get her thoughts. Great commentary and review E! More like this

[@jaimeerivera8217]

❤️❤️❤️

[@almondkissed3794]

You must favor your dad more.

[@jaimeerivera8217]

@@sagittariusblack2879 - LOL! Unless there is distant Native American ancestry, as AA’s or A. Latino’s when we do DNA tests the results don’t read ‘USA’ or Brazil, Puerto Rico etc. - it goes straight back to AFRICA! We did not go to the America’s on a gift holiday honey, we are Africans forcibly influenced to take on the cultures of our enslavers, subsequently creating a sub-culture in response. Stop the divide and conquer - we are African x

[@jaimeerivera8217]

@@sagittariusblack2879 I have every business talking here, I am talking because I can and I will. My culture? I did not tell you what my culture was and whatever you assumed, no culture is a monolith! Do not be fooled, various parts of the UK or world I’ve been to, I’ve been called a ‘Nigger,’ a ‘Coon,’ and a ‘Wog’ - where was my light skinned privilege then? They see my blackness before anything. I will not split hairs with you, you seem like a very angry and divisive woman. Take care queen

[@jaimeerivera8217]

@@sagittariusblack2879 - Snap Chat filters do that darling but yes, I am a black woman with mixed ancestry, how I look does not negate my blackness or what I can and can not speak on. Have a great weekend sis.

[@ruruvarela]

It was a very interesting movie. I also think it touched on a lot of topics not just passing for white.

[@godsgirl7201]

I got to see this!

[@eve9287]

Right it hit on the topic of unhappiness, jealousy, manipulation

[@TJMonroe92]

The way Irene was dropping things all throughout the movie, I think she def killed her. From the plant, to the teapot, etc. Especially when she flicked that ash from the sixth floor right before pushing her. And the way she dropped the tea pot she said "I finally figured out how to get rid of this thing I hate so much", she was def plotting it. When she said she would move back to Harlem, she couldn't have that. And her eerily calm nature when she pushed her! I found it interesting that I feel like everyone knew she did it by the way they side-eyed her, yet they covered up for her when the police asked questions.

[@eve9287]

Yes they definitely covered for her because it was a black party and he was the outsider

[@se2664]

I thought Clare’s husband pushed her off the balcony because he found out she was cheating on him with black men, Basically trying to pass as black

[@KarenMwendera]

this is such a great explaination!

[@S.O.S89]

Irene did it cuz she ask her what is she going to do once her husband found out she is black .right before he came to the party I think she called him to get rid of her for once. And she was anxious the whole night at the party. What really made me think she did is when she fell from the window she was the last person to leave the room and she stared at her down from the window the scene when she put her hand behind her back and watch her dead body she almost felt relived to me even tho the camera didn’t show her face her hands back bin her back let me know she probably did kill her

[@dakotac180]

It was very boring and sad. This story has been reflected in many people and it's so sad that someone feels so trapped in their own skin they can't just be themselves. It's sad that society has instilled for centuries that white is what people should be just to be "happy". Obviously that's not happy.

[@firstnationfall5451]

Yes

[@melodyvalentine8779]

Can confirm, being white does not a happy person make.

[@mlynettepinky595]

Your right the move was boring and sad. You should watch the Imitation of Life. It's 2 versions, the one with Mahalia Jackson is the best one, It's in color, the other version is in black and white Its on peacock streaming service for free. It's a movie about a young girl who wasn't happy, who wasn't comfortable in her own skin. She was ashamed of being Black. She was ashamed of her Black mother, who was a house keeper. She would pretend that her mother's boss was her mother. The movie never tells who they father is, timeline year is in the 1950's or 60's So it isn't like slavery time, when we know what would have happened. Slave owners would rape Black female slaves and they had slave owners children. The movie Imitation of life has a lesson at the end, of it. It won't have you wondering what happened, like the end of this movie did. Wondering who push her or did she really jump? It will make you appreciate your loved ones, especially mom. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2SaY4OAhdKJY7c People passing for White, some people did it for other reasons, not because they hated their race, their skin. You should read Pudd'n Head Wilson by Mark Twain. It's a movie too, from the 80s but it is hard to find. Pudd'n Head Wilson is about a Black mother who had her child pass for White, switch at birth for a better life for him. She didn't want him to suffer and go through what she went through. A lot of people pass for White for a lot of reasons. For money and opportunities. Some people where told by Hollywood and people in charge to pass for White or another race. Romare Bearden was told by baseball owners to lie and say he was White. He told them he was not ashamed of being Black and he turned down major leagues. Lena Horne said she was told by Hollywood to say she was Hispanic, because she was light skinned, she could pass for Hispanic. They didn't want a Black woman starring in their movies, especially been seen in the Southern States. She said she was not going to lie and was proud to be Black✊🏽 Before and after slavery people would pass for White. After slavery during Jim Crow, Whites passed laws that would not allow Blacks to have sex or marry Whites, like the boxer Jack Johnson did. He married several White women and law was passed in 1910 because of him. They made up a law just because he was a Black man having sex with a lot of White women and marrying them, called The Mann Act, White Slave Traffic Act in 1910. Which was just a way to stop him, stop interracial relationships in America and put him in prison Passing for White meant people could marry a White person, have better opportunities, better jobs, school, be able to go into a hospitals and etc J Edgar Hoover for example, who was passing for White. They would have never let a Black man in the 1950's and 60's become the director of the FBI. People would be surprised on how many people where passing for White Celebrities have went on Finding our Roots with Henry Gates and found out they had Black ancestors who where passing for White. Ty Burrell from tv show Modern Family, said he heard rumors from family that he had a great, great grandmother who was Black. Johnny Cash daughter Rosanne found out she was related to Angela Bassett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKLUnaGDp7p1m9E Gates did a DNA test and research both Rosanne Cash parents had Black blood, African Sahara. Johnny Cash first wife had features of a Black woman. People accused Johnny Cash of marrying a mulatto woman, called him a N*gg lover. Cash's wife wasn't biracial, but her grandma or great grandmother was Black and passing. Rosanne Cash great great grandma tried to hide the fact she was Black, and it still showed up generations later, with Rosanne Cash mom having features of a Black woman. With DNA people can't hide or lie about being Black, having Black or African blood. There are people today, who are passing for White. Thinking no one will know. Genes won't hide and DNA wont lie. Sad, but people still passing , because they are ashamed of being Black or don't want to have to deal with systematic racism. They know White privilege still exist and benefiting from it. The more things change the more they stay the same .

[@loliwinxedits6095]

what were you expecting? it's literally called passing, it's a story of so many of our ancestors

[@kdooley41]

The world is mental, happiness is something you have to find for yourself.. All other races feel wyte is right because they choose to.. From dealing with them they just as miserable as everyone else.. And twice as evil... People need to learn to love themselves as God made them....

[@marjaiiii]

Do this with more movies Eloho!!

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

I would definitely like to hear her review of movies

[@DrGaslight187]

Something interesting is how this movie highlights the colorism of the Harlem Black elites back then but not on purpose. It’s just there unquestioned. Like how there aren’t many speaking roles for visibly Black Women. And you can see it in the dynamic between Claire, Irene, and the husband. I don’t know if y’all noticed but there wasn’t a single interesting thing about the 2 ladies personality wise. Let’s be honest. Neither of those ladies were interesting, they were just lightskinned in a colorist society. Irene’s husband didn’t even like her beyond sex appeal so that’s why he moved on to the whiter woman. There’s a huge disconnect between the 2 and it definitely has to do with skin tone.

[@aleshasinclair8529]

@Barbara Kibira yes I didn’t like that aswell Irene was very much jealous that everyone in her life took a liking to Claire meanwhile she was treating them as less than

[@kmc1994]

Exactly. This movie (like most but especially with non-blk women cast) is OVERHYPED.

[@BlackGirlLovesAnime6]

I understand and agree with what you’re saying generally but I actually liked Claire’s bubbly personality lol. I didn’t like how irene disrespected her dsbw maid because it was giving colorist and her personality was dry af. Claire was giving superiority complex so that was unlikable too

[@jc_80]

@@BlackGirlLovesAnime6 Clare sat and spoke to Irene’s maid like a person she made her day and Irene was always rude to her maid, despite having a black husband and children, so I felt a superiority complex coming from Irene, you could argue Clare and Irene were quite similar regardless of their chosen husbands, through societal constructs Clare married a white man for a better life and Irene although married to a black man and around black friends, saw herself as better than working class black people, it’s very subtle but you’ll see it in how she treats the maid and turns a blind eye to the racial attacks as she feels her family is above it and feels her family are immune to it as they are within prestigious circles

[@DrGaslight187]

@Barbara Kibira yeah I picked up on that too

[@yaggayaggaya9918]

5:55 YESSS GWORL!!!! The Sapphic energy was STRONG. I didn’t pick up on it initially but if you watch the interviews, this was intentional. Tessa’s character has DEEP subconscious feelings for Ruth’s character, also the white man (Hugh) Irene is friends with is coded as gay, that’s why they’re so open with each other, they’re both keeping secrets for each other. EDIT: 09:00 yessss, I don’t think Irene even realises she’s a lesbian, she’s just living the life she was told she has to live: she’s giving comp-het. EDIT 2 🤪: Girl, I loved this! Please do more reviews. Also definitely check out the interviews: I didn’t know this before, but the woman who wrote and directed this, Rebecca Hall, is actually mixed heritage (I always thought she was white lol), her mother was an African American and Native Indian actress that passed for white for a long time. She adapted this film from a book from a book written in the 20s as a way to get closer to her heritage.

[@kekesimmingtv2824]

I think Claire's husband followed her. You remember when he saw Irene on the street with her darkskin friend? He knew in that moment that Irene was Black and so was his wife. I even think he had said something to that effect at the door the night of the party when he was trying to get in. I think Claire jumped; she knew she could never go back to the life she once had and it would be a reck for her if her husband made it that way. Great movie. I would definitely recommend. 👌🏾

[@paisleyjones214]

Irene wasn't black. She was biracial

[@GetIntoTheBLACK]

Yeah I think the husband put two and two together. He also stated he went to Irene’s house he probably saw the kids and figured it out. The husband was under the impression that Claire hated black people as well so he’s probably like huh wth is going on. I also don’t think that Irene pushed her and I’m with Claire jumping theory.

[@mamain6712]

@@paisleyjones214 yeah no shit paisley, but she's still black

[@alicepark972]

@@paisleyjones214 biracial is not a race

[@jc_80]

It was funny how the husband just randomly happen to be in that area looking for his wife, reckon Irene called Clare’s household to tip him off.

[@loveecreations4792]

In my opinion Irene is a pushover (no pun intended). She let that lady come up in her house and basically take over and she just stood by and watched because she had feelings for her. Claire even told her that she will take what she wants without any consideration for whoever she hurts and step on anyones neck to get it (narcissists tend to lowkey warn you before they strike to see what you’ll tolerate, basically sizing you up) and instead of telling her off then and there Irene hugged her and showed empathy. It was when Irene realized that things have gone out of hand because even if she told her husband she doesn’t want Claire around, he started having feelings for Claire so he would still bring her around, eventually pushing Irene out of the picture so Irene pushed her first before that could happen. She didn’t want to take it that far at first, her plan was to tell Claire’s husband, hoping that Claire’s shame would make her leave NY to start over. That’s why she asked her what she would do if her husband finds out but once Claire said she would move to Harlem, Irene thought oh hell no, and knew she had to strike. She even put her hands behind her back as she was walking down the stairs (throwing stones and hiding her hands?), she took forever to walk down the stairs and that crying seemed staged. Overall good movie. 9/10

[@cicixmorales8438]

Girl you told it best! There’s no way Irene didn’t have any bad blood towards Claire. I think her reality caught up to her when she realized Claire was dead Bc she pushed her. She was probably crying to save face or maybe Bc she felt guilty.

[@winterishere440]

Everyone in this movie is passing. I think Irene was in love with Clare and that's why she acted so "pushover". She was simping. She was jealous of Clare... not her husband. During the whole film she doesn't show one ounce of love for her husband. I think her plan was the exact opposite. It was to force Clare to come live in Harlem... but it didn't work. Clare took her life.

[@teyianneful]

I think Irene was a pushover because of her addiction. Did Elih touch on that? Maybe I missed it. Irene was already "weak" and took for granted (or was willfully ignorant) the opportunities her skin tone afforded her which was one reason she was so reluctant to have her boys be taught about the real world. I really got the idea she grew up sheltered to all that and never experienced it as bad as her dark skinned counterparts. She flirted with the whole idea of passing while her love interests were firmly planted on opposite sides of the color line

[@deej5608]

She didn't scream. Anyone who gets pushed especially PUSHED OFF OF A BALCONY would have screamed for their life. She didn't scream which is a good indicator to me that she probably jumped because if her husband wanted to drag her out of that setting no black person would have stopped him, not during those times especially. I think Irene had the hots for Claire and Claire possibly had the hots for her as well but I think Irene liked her more but seeing how she was affecting her life was too much for her to bear so as much as she was sad that she was gone she was probably also realized

[@samyyahmuhammad2621]

This explains it perfectly!! Also the replies offer compelling explanations too! I love how analytical and smart y’all are in this comment section!!! Really pushing my thinking!!

[@TheLilly]

Def picked up on the lesbian vibes. That letter she gave her husband to read 👀 I'm surprised he didn't even question why it sounded like that.

[@PHlophe]

that turned me on

[@lavonnealexander6936]

😂😂I saw the trailer and picked up on it quick.

[@TheLilly]

@@PHlophe Me too. I was starting to feel things, like hold on Claire...I don't go both ways nah, don't make me 😭😭

[@uscitizen3252]

That was a straight up love letter. lol

[@afroqueen698]

Reading the book before watching the movie is definitely a must in my opinion. I read it in a class that was analyzing different types of passing. The sapphic vibes are even stronger in the book. The inner dialogue from Irene in the book adds a lot to the movie. Also looking into Rebecca Hall’s interviews and hearing about the different choices she made and why she chose to make this movie is a must. The messages, especially put into the context of the 1920s, are just so powerful but I might be biased because “Passing” is one of my favorite books to analyze.

[@michelleramsey4302]

I have the book... I'm going to read it first

[@cicixmorales8438]

I got the vibe there was some romance in the air for Brian and Claire, so I can’t blame Irene for feelings and commentary about it. They was little bit cozy together imo 🧐

[@lelecheesy]

The way he was whispering in her ear was so inappropriate

[@GetIntoTheBLACK]

Yeah I did not like their dynamics. When Irene told them to go to the card game together I was like ummmmmm….no sis bad idea.

[@TheLilly]

That shot of them in the mirror from Irene's POV made it seem that they were too close, had me raising my eyebrows too, and even when the camera panned away from the mirror revealing a respectable distance between Claire and Brian, I knew that illusion in the mirror was a setup for something down the line in the movie.

[@MixtiMusic]

@@TheLilly Im so happy you mentioned that this angle is from IRENE’s perspective because the book implies that all of the “cheating” is not happening in reality, it’s all happening in Irene’s head to give her a reason to distance herself from her lesbian thoughts surrounding Claire.

[@MixtiMusic]

@@TheLilly Im so happy you mentioned that this angle is from IRENE’s perspective because the book implies that all of the “cheating” is not happening in reality, it’s all happening in Irene’s head to give her a reason to distance herself from her lesbian thoughts surrounding Claire.

[@firstnationfall5451]

This is nothing new to many black American families. There are many "white looking people" in many families of color. These women that play these characters could not pass for white. Sorry. I think they could have picked better actresses. I still would like to see it.

[@syria0110]

Interesting enough, the director of this movie Rebecca Hall is a white passing woman herself. Her mother was a biracial singer, so I guess she picked the actresses because they looked racially ambiguous, specifically Ruth Negga who played Claire.

[@911Nails]

Yes your right im dark skin so is my sister and mother. On my mothers side all my family look like they could pass or look very similar to claire with colored eyes and light colored hair. Growing up people would see my grandmother and ask "is she my real grandmother" my mother said she got that alot as well. So yes to me it was hard to wrap my mind around people believing she was white in the movie🤷

[@hanaviolet8103]

@@syria0110 If her mom is mixed, is her dad white or Black ? Because it would mean that she is white if her dad is white.

[@syria0110]

@@hanaviolet8103 Her dad is white, but her mom looks albino almost. Her name is Maria Ewing.

[@hanaviolet8103]

@@syria0110 I just googled Maria Ewing , from what I'm seeing she is mixed so I guess I will consider Rebecca Hall a white woman 🤷🏿‍♀️

[@hanaviolet8103]

I will say first that these 2 actresses wouldn't pass for white. They needed other ambiguous actresses. Irene was scared that she wasn't going to be the loved "biracial" that is praised and worshiped by the Black community if Claire divorced her husband and came to live close to her. I don't think it was about Claire flirting with Irene's husband. Is it only me or it looked like they were some kind of lesbian implications ?

[@NotReallyAya.]

Ima watch again. Y’all bringing out good points.

[@Nathan-yq8en]

Definitely! The director said that the films title encompasses both the race aspects and the girls passing for straight

[@brittneyharmon6647]

I think that’s why Irene is more nervous…hence the hats and what not. Claire is more white passing. Which is why she could’ve been more jelous with her around her husband as she’s the higher elevated passing. Y’all would be surprised how even in this day ambiguous women get so jealous and competitive with each other cause theyre usually used to being the favoring exotic

[@filmsuga92]

I was thinking more of Jennifer Beals, Troian Bellisario, or Rashida Jones.

[@mi3helle707]

@@filmsuga92 yeah, the actresses here are too black to pass, I agree.

[@zeeb116]

In my version of ‘who done it’ we combine your two theories and put the angel of mercy title on Irene. Those last few glances these angry ish,repressed lover friends give each other before Clairs end was paramount; as if they were communicating with each other. I see them as empathetically feeling each other in that moment, they’re communicating and both backing up towards the window. In the end Irenes body language communicates protection as she slightly steps in front of Clair, and Clair makes no gasp, cry, or scream as she falls. The they were so in sync to me in that final scene to me they were in it together. Either that or im seriously mis reading Clair saying goodbye and Irene mourning what she knows is coming next. My question is, who called the husband?

[@annmariebusu9924]

Irene called him because she was a little jealous of Claire taking up her space.

[@deej5608]

@@annmariebusu9924 Claire's husband saw her out on the street and he was able to figure it out then Irene went to call and warned her but wasn't able to get in touch with her and then she said forget it to the operator. Only reason why she told the white author about Claire passing is because he's gay and knew her secret would be safe with him because he had his own secrets. Irene is a lot of things but I don't think she had any intentions of exposing Claire that's why she never went back to see her

[@fideletamo4292]

@@deej5608 i agree, i think the husband followed claire After seeing Irène with a black woman in the street...Irène didn't have to call him, she even tried to warn clare...

[@Garn40]

"Tragic Mullata or Mullato" a theme used in 20s writing. I think it explains the end, the homosexual undertones, and sense of belonging. I'm glad you like the movie, it follows the book really well.

[@MixtiMusic]

I agree, I just wish they would have made the “cheating” scenes look less like actual cheating actions and more like Irene trying to find a way to distance herself from her lesbian tendencies and more so happening in Irene’s head as opposed to having the movie viewers think that Claire was actually trying to get with Irene’s husband. Because the book doesn’t say that Claire is moving in on Irene’s husband in real life, it says that Irene is just trying to find a way to distance herself from Claire.

[@blackbutterfly7660]

@@sagittariusblack2879 🎯🎯🎯

[@VeeLondon1449]

Claire turned Irene’s life/existence upside down. Irene was struggling/coping with her life up until she reconnected that day with Claire, who desperately sought out Irene with letters/phone calls (Irene did not want to reconnect with Claire at all, she rejected Claire from the start) due to the fact that she was attracted to Claire and had probably always held a torch for Claire, Irene truly believed if Claire was gone her life would return to her idea of denial/peace. Irene decided that Claire was the cause of her misery/depression/feelings. But in the end Irene completely breaks down, after she looks at Claire dead body. Because even though Claire is dead, nothing in her life has changed (as she cry’s Irene doesn’t even want to be comforted/touched by her husband) Irene is still lost/stuck Irene is crying almost in disbelief because she realises Claire was never the issue it was always herself who was at odds with herself. Irene realises she betrayed Claire who loved her and herself.

[@Nictser]

Her kids be dragging her 😂😂

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

Has anyone seen the movie "I Passed for White?" It's from the 60s, I think. I watched it a few years ago, and when I saw the trailer for "Passing", it reminded me of that movie. Highly recommend that movie. I'm excited to watch your take on this film, though. I liked the movie.

[@LoveforMy4C]

Yes! That movie, "Imitations of Life" Both 1934 & 1959 versions, and "Pinky".

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

@@LoveforMy4C hold up, there were other versions?? I'm fixing to binge watch 👀

[@daniellevaughn4598]

Yes! I watched it here on KZbin for free.

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

@@daniellevaughn4598 same!

[@filmsuga92]

@@LoveforMy4C imitations of life, drove me mad. It pissed me off and I didn’t like how that girl treated her mother.

[@blaseblasebih5706]

I just KNEW they were going to get their freak nasty on! 😂🤭 But yes, I believe with all my heart that Irene told Claire's husband, 1) because she asked Claire what would you do if he found out, 2) Irene looked flat out frightened at that party BEFORE Claire's husband showed up, 3) I believe Claire moved toward Irene for comfort, and in her last act of loyalty to her "friend" Irene chose to "save" Claire from not only the wrath of her husband but also a life filled with immeasurable shame by pushing her out of the window.

[@daniellew.3916]

I believe Clare's husband figured it out once he ran into Irene on the street. That scene said a whole lot without having to use many words. It was all downhill from there lol. I also believe she pushed her because of Clare saying she would move to Harlem with Irene if her husband found out. Irene was like nah bitch, not today.

[@cicixmorales8438]

@Danielle W. YESSS this is the only comment I see that mentioned that scene! He definitely put two and two together seeing Irene with a black woman. And his reaction spoke louder than words. Maybe he was just smart enough to draw it back to Claire that she wasn’t who he thought she was either.

[@luvvross]

I don’t think Irene pushed her if you watch it again, Irene tries to pull her away towards her so her husband doesn’t do anything. However, Clare slowly moves her body to a position where she is able to fall from the window

[@aleshasinclair8529]

Yes this is what I’m looking for she pushed her

[@jc_80]

@@luvvross in that situation you’d put your hand behind the the person and bring them closer but Irene put her arm out across Clare so that caused her to lose balance

[@Mimichellee]

Tessa is a very talented actress im happy to see her in new roles stepping out of normal act

[@moustik31]

I enjoyed the representation of Black bourgeoisie. Even if it made me sad, that only the lighter Black people had apparently access to the "good" life: owning an uptown townhouse, employing (DS) maids, having a doctor husband. Wait, Tressa Thompson is biracial? I always thought she was light-skinned.

[@LindseyNoelani]

Alexander Skarsgård!!! He’s so handsome I watched True Blood because of him especially when the later seasons became unbearable 🤣

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

True Blood got ridiculous towards the end 🤦‍♀️

[@PHlophe]

he has become the go to bad guy. he needs t pick different roles

[@reneeboyd80]

Lol it's funny because he plays Tessa Thompson's love interest in the movie War on Everyone. Alexander is a good actor loved him on Generation Kill.

[@anngirl2376]

Yep he is 😍

[@freewoman]

Very true.... thats why she even asked what she would do if her husband found out.. its because she had called Clares husband.. she knew he was coming...

[@whatagirthypooyouvetaken5825]

I’m glad I’m awake, Eloho can bless my ears now 😭

[@kimlove4740]

Same lol

[@ammo6413]

Idk why I see Rashid Jones playing Clare.

[@symphonyjohnson1570]

You don’t know why? Probably because she had African ancestry and could have “passed for white” more convincingly than the actress who played Clare.

[@ammo6413]

@@symphonyjohnson1570 Yeah, I guess that's why.

[@mi3helle707]

@@symphonyjohnson1570 💯

[@paisleyjones214]

@@symphonyjohnson1570 Rashida is white

[@nnolaa]

The two Jones sisters would have been a perfect fit.

[@sidneyjayyy]

I love your take, and I agree that there’s definitely a ton of lesbian tension that Irene has for Clare. I think that’s a part of why Clare bothers Irene so much. Clare embodies all the stigmatized freedoms and temptations that Irene doesn’t have the courage to fully partake in (passing, queer sexuality, etc.).

[@sly5722]

This was such a good movie, it really made you think. A lot. I def picked up on the lesbian energy. I really wanted to know more about Irene and Clare’s past. But at the same time I’m kinda glad they left it to where we had to come up with our own guesses to what their past relationship was like. Irene probably was the one who distanced herself from Clare over the years. Clare seemed hurt that Irene kinda just forgot about her. Irene def seemed bothered by Clare coming back into her life, in a way of like, damn I escaped you once already, now here you are again. So could it have been cause Irene didn’t like being in Clare’s shadow or were they romantically involved back then and she didn’t want that to come up again. In the movie Clare was always asking Irene if she thought about her and missed her over the years. I don’t think there was really a villain, just a couple of people who wondered what their life would be like if they had done things differently.

[@eve9287]

I wanted to see more of their pasts as well like why was there so much animosity Claire was so happy to rekindle her friendship with Irene but Irene was skeptical

[@glamorousyeri5874]

They definitely had something for each other

[@mayyahwilliams8358]

Yesss so much lesbian energy 😭🤦🏽‍♀️

[@alexandria3591]

I remember reading this in my African American Lit class for a presentation and I loved it. I recommend reading the book 💯.

[@MissHairess]

I was looking for this comment. I don’t think many people have read the book which is actually very good!

[@Preciious2008]

Whew Chile, I wish we had a glass of wine. Sooooo, my opinion, I was DEF picking up on major lesbian vibes. From them showing Claire cross her legs and showed the small of her back in Claire's dress. There was a moment when Irene was asleep and pretty much daydreaming about Claire but her husband was actually sitting there. Irene taking off her jacket and covering Claire's feet to keep her warm. Irene watching Claire stretch outside in her back yard. I believe Irene loved that woman AND was jealous of her. Now, with Claire's husband finding out. I don't think Irene told him. I think when Claire's hubby ran into her while she was with her friend, she rushed home and CALLES Claire to possibly warn her, right? And it seems that whoever she speaks to let's her know that Claire is not in. I BELIEVE, Claire was out with Bryan. The next scene, you see Irene go outside and sit on the steps, then Bryan pulls up, tells her its cold, and brushes past her asking her if she's going to the party. So I believe Irene allowed Claire's husband to put 2 and 2 together and she allowed it to happen without warning Claire out of her jealousy towards her. I still don't know if Claire jumped from the window tho or if Irene pushed her (accidently on purpose)...👀

[@daniellew.3916]

This!!!!

[@zeeb116]

Oooohhhh that’s *goood* ! I can dig that theory about the phone call because even with all the b.s., Irenes instinct is to protect, so as upset as she was it would seem out of her character to be intentionally vile in any way. Even with the “fall” I’m glad we mostly agree that Irenes involvement was some form of protection from alternate consequences. …..I thought they were bout to get it iiin too 😂 or *plot twist* run away together, travel Europe or another country they talked about it so damn much 😭

[@Preciious2008]

@@zeeb116 omg. GREAT POINT!!! I love that you mentioned that she had that protective side too! She absolutely did!!! So when it's put that way and you see Irene put her hand out in front of Claire when Claire's husband lunged towards her, that makes me think even MORE thar Claire jumped on her own. I read another theory that Claire knew with her husband finding out that her credibility would be blemished in both communities so it was easy for her to end it all. Also, if you notice at the end, Claire is eerily calm when her husband is at the door. She even asks for her drink and positions herself by the window and beside Irene. I think the constant symbolism in this film of things falling and breaking is foreshadoment of how Irene feels inside. Broken..shattered. you see it in the beginning with the guy laid out on the ground, you see it when Claire is there and flower pot falls and shatters to the ground, you see it at the get together when Irene breaks the teapot, EVEN at the party when Irene steps to the window to smoke and she flicks some of her cigarette towards the ground. A fall is always taking place throughout the film. I love that theory too that they would possibly run away together!! I never thought of that!! 😁😁

[@zeeb116]

@@Preciious2008 this!!! That falling symbolism is it, I just kept being annoyed at that flower pot 😂

[@Kariberri208]

I sensed the same thing at first…figured they’d been intimate in the past.

[@sonjamckenzie9070]

I feel Irene "inadvertently"pushed Claire in an attempt to block Claire's husband from possibly hitting Claire when they were near the window. I mean Irene was the one that opened the window to smoke, but never closed it. The husband received the address from Irene's maid. He said he went to Irene's home first.

[@Quiche1]

Thank you. I don’t think it was intentional, I believe she was trying to protect her. I also believe that Irene didn’t tell Claire’s husband but Claire left clues for him to find out because she wanted out. Mr. Bellew made the final connection when he saw Irene in the street. I know everyone is saying they were getting lesbian vibes, but I saw their interaction as two women both in awe of each other, secretly longing for what the other had.

[@VirgosGroove3]

@@Quiche1 I agree I don’t think they are lesbians but Deff want what the other has.

[@megrocks3026]

Thats what I thought in the beginning but then when I saw the way her hand moved back and then crossed behind her, it didnt indicate shock or sadness but rather a villain moment, a calculated move. It’s like a villain looking down the window with his hands casually behind his back.

[@Quiche1]

@@megrocks3026 🤔 I will have to go rewatch the scene

[@megrocks3026]

@@Quiche1 It was a whole scene with just her hands so I think it was intended that we analyze it.

[@auroraseyets8516]

As an American who is categorized in the black caste, "passing" is just a well-known part of our culture. I have a whole branch of my grandmother's family that chose to leave its roots and "pass". I've grown up watching movies about "passing". Those movies were mostly about how the passing black person tries to navigate the white world without being caught, and the one black parent... inevitably a black mother, who tries to hold on to their child despite the rejection. It's deeper than that, but I simplified for the sake of contrast. This new movie "Passing" is so layered and so different from the other films i've watched about passing. Though I am a black American I did not grow up in a household that believed being closer in hue to "white" was a prize or made one extraordinary in beauty or any other so-called attribute. This is the first movie of this sort that I've seen that focuses on the perspective of another black woman, who, for the sake of the story, could pass (in actuality the actress looks just like a member of my unambiguously and obviously black family), but chose not to, yet is deeply affected by the ugliness of colorism on many levels. She felt a primal necessity to protect her happiness. There is soooo much to say about these characters and their specific story...the backstory is what I was imagining throughout. Once I got passed the obvious blackness of the two main characters and the fact that I disagreed with both of their world views (black people are not a monolith) I just enjoyed the story. And though it does not represent the whole of the culture it is well-written, and I will watch it again.

[@firstnationfall5451]

Great commentary.

[@firstnationfall5451]

@@googlea2692 White people have done a number on many new non whites across the globe dear not only in America. How one looks or is perceived does not necessarily denote their culture. The woman portrayed moves from one dynamic to another. Black Americans long ago transitioned in earlier times between these dynamics. This movie is about a dynamic that took place in America. This is the confusion you get when everyone else interprets another's history or culture.

[@auroraseyets8516]

@@googlea2692 Maybe you’re not American so you will find it hard if not impossible to understand my comment (which takes nothing away from other cultures who have experienced colonialism. I try to stay in my lane). There are a profusion of things that are a part of American culture that I do not participate in… it doesn’t make me any less American. Now when it comes to American subcultures you’ll find many nuances. For example, in black American culture we grow up knowing about, and living with the multi-colored people in our family. We understand that “black” in America has less to do with actual color and more to do with status. It was no surprise to us when it was “revealed” that Thomas Jefferson had black children with an enslaved woman. In fact, we were shocked that “white” Americans were shocked. We thought they knew what we knew. They didn’t know. Well most of them. Within the “black” American culture it is common knowledge that we all probably have “white” great great… grandfathers in our ancestry who were enslavers (Frederick Douglass was owned by his “white” enslaver father.) We all have stories told to us by our elders about family members who went on to “pass” and were never seen again, or who got caught and paid the price. We know about, talk about and watch old movies that are about how “black” American families dealt with this phenomenon. Part of our culture is our stories, our experiences. This includes the ugly parts. Many “white” Americans and other peoples of immigrant backgrounds are clueless about “black” American culture beyond stereotypes and what they see on the screen. So they have no say in what is and what is not a part of “black” American culture.

[@anissa2361]

Same my great great grandmother gave her kids away to Black pastors to live a passing lifestyle.

[@auroraseyets8516]

@@googlea2692 1. It’s okay to disagree. 2. I never said subcultures are not one’s culture. 3. The United States categorizes people. There is mainstream culture (ie. white culture) and there are subcultures; usually, but not always, involving a hyphen of some sort (ie. African-American, Asian-American, Latin-American etc.) so what I meant by subcultures is cultures that are not seen as part of “mainstream” American culture. I hope that was clear enough. 4. Depending on the generation you’re dealing with there are quite a few black people who ignorant when it comes to “black” American history. I was raised by parents who were born just before desegregation so I was educated by parents who hadn’t been fully indoctrinated with a bunch of miseducation and hadn’t been fully disconnected from their true roots. I say that to say I’m not surprised by what you said about people being ignorant of the deep deep levels of colorism etc. in Louisiana and it’s layered history. But I’m talking about what my family experienced and our stories, our culture on the East side (as I’m sure you know black people are not a monolith). I speak from experience and researched knowledge. There are so many books and articles I could list for you if you were interested in expanding your worldview, but I don’t have time and I get the feeling that you are comfortable with the POV you already have even if it is a bit myopic, so I’d be wasting my time. I respect that. I do not negate your experience, be you white American or something else and won’t let negate mine. We still mourn the loss of our relatives who chose to leave us and pass for white (of course white people don’t talk about it being their culture for obvious reasons I don’t have the patience to recount) I will leave you with one book you may or may not find of interest: “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson. Have a great life 😊

[@BoosGaming1]

I cackled! "As she got older. She got darker and darker" like sir are you calling her a banana? That part I laughed so hard

[@annabaley5345]

I loved the movie , true they showed the dynamics of thinking the grass was greener on the other side each of them had their own insecurities Irene started to become envious of her friend thinking her whiteness would be able to steal her man even tho she knew how down she was that she could no longer be her true self she felt she was already dead inside

[@abandonablesnowman]

If you haven’t read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, I definitely recommend. It centers around a set of twins where one “passes over” and one doesn’t. The white passing twin ends up being all for segregation

[@Nathan-yq8en]

The director of the film said the ending is for the audience to decide - did Rene try to protect Claire? Did Rene push her? Did her husband push her ? Did she kill herself ? 👀

[@mlynettepinky595]

Mark Twain puddn head and other video is imitation of life kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5DEqWSmqZ2tppI

[@kayade5305]

Her husband didn't push her. But yes to all the other statements.

[@bluejunegraduate]

At one point I thought Irene was going to jump out the window. But thought different when Claire came over to her once her husband arrive. Idk if Claire jumped or if Irene had something to do with it.

[@Wrappedinhisglory]

@@bluejunegraduate I think Irene wanted to protect Claire from her husband so she stepped in front of Claire but I don't think she would have ever predicted that Claire would jumped. I think that's why it took her awhile to go outside. Irene was still in shock when she came outside. Even Irene's husband was like don't say too much to the police or don't say anything all.

[@anmariee5560]

I've read the novel this movie was based on. Phenomenal. Btw, just because two friends of the same gender are very close does not mean they are romantically inclined to each other. They have known each other for a very long time, separated in a society that socially drains them. But in all fairness, everyone is entitled to their opinion of shipping them.

[@anmariee5560]

@Anna smith You just proved my point that everyone is entitled to their opinion of shipping them.

[@anmariee5560]

@Anna smith You didn't give a fact, go read the actual book. You're the one starting trouble here because you want to enforce your lgbtq opinion on others. Not everyone agrees with you, grow up.

[@MsTooFine]

I definitely felt the lesbian energy right throughout

[@Afroriqan]

I think the mother and sons not connecting comes from the hint of how Even Irene treats her black maid. She expects her to do most of the “Mothering” activities, even clare mentions it and Irene says “Everyone needs help sometime” she even doesnt like that she went on a single vacation to be with her family for a few days. Irene is definitely dealing with depression and sleeps a lot and she probably only spends time with her sons during moments of mania when she has bursts of energy. But I definitely agree their were LGBT vibes happening just beneath the surface. Neither of them were happy in their lives fully, just passing.

[@shawannabd]

I thought Irene pushed Clare out that window🤷 idk if she was trying to move her outta the husbands way (accident) or to put them BOTH out of their misery. The conversation b4 he showed up was pretty dark.

[@ashasun6620]

The guests were saying the husband didn't push her. So either she killed herself or Irene did it. Or it was a mixture of both . Her putting up her arm may have made her fall.

[@BlackGirlLovesAnime6]

@@ashasun6620 I thought the guests were lying for the white husband because of how the dynamics were back then and how much trouble they might get in for snitching on a wm

[@ashasun6620]

@@BlackGirlLovesAnime6 I guess we'll never know, because if they would have said yeah he pushed her, then what? Tell him to go home or would he have been arrested and not found guilty.

[@thehamsterarmy2380]

This is one reason besides logic, genetics, and biology for why I will never say biracials are black no matter if they identify with it. During segregation biracials were able to identify as white because of convenience and the benefits and now that being black is cool and benefit from featurism, they identify as black despite most being birthed and raised by single NONBW(specifically in America). Even when the one drop rule was a thing, it was beneficial to identify with the white side more. This led to the paper bag test, as well as the creation of HBCUs. No matter what one drop ruling black people today say, Whyte people have never truly viewed biracial as black which is why they were given different slave jobs and even now get more opportunities than black people. Whytes could tell their blood when through them and still wanted them to succeed. All in all, definitely watch the movie

[@s.d4001]

you monoracials are so insecure it’s actually laughable 😂 please heal

[@Nathan-yq8en]

This is all u took from the film💀💀💀

[@thehamsterarmy2380]

@@s.d4001 It's not insecurity. If I was insecure, I'd let you biracials act as though we are the same, but I know who I am. You biracials have too many identity issues it's laughable. Please heal.

[@thehamsterarmy2380]

@@Nathan-yq8en No, but there needs to be a conversation about identity and why one may choose to act as though their parent does not exist. It stems from insecurity, as well as not knowing who they are and also what is beneficial

[@s.d4001]

@@thehamsterarmy2380 of course you’re insecure. no monoracial person who is happy being monoracial would project onto mixed people like this. why are you so concerned about our identities? why so mad that some mixed people say they’re black? you’re insecure!

[@dmedwards26]

That “lesbian vibe “ is just admiration and love yall never had a bond with a female that you love deeply but y’all both straight ?

[@yahainHotPink]

Please tell me that you've read the book before this movie was created. It is superb, and sad. I've read it two or 3 times already, years ago, want to see the movie eventually.

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

Dang, I didn't even know there was a book! Heck, I might read it, still. Once the film isn't so fresh in my mind lol

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

@Alexandria Rey bet. I'll read it eventually 😁

[@sidneyjayyy]

Thank you! Some of the reasons I’ve heard people say they didn’t like the movie can really be traced back to the fact that they haven’t read the book. I wasn’t a fan of the film’s ending. I thought the ending was much more ambiguous in the book and I appreciated that.

[@mpauli12]

I like the book better.

[@yahainHotPink]

@@sidneyjayyy Thank you for sharing your thoughts, glad you've read the book. 😀📚

[@Sqwrl334]

I watched this movie because of your commentary. I got just a minute in and just had to stop it and go watch the film. Thank you so much.

[@biancarain7171]

The stare was scary af I was petrified

[@Nathan-yq8en]

I'm saying she looked like she was about to snitch on her ass

[@biancarain7171]

@@Nathan-yq8en yes that’s what I thought it was I thought she was going to start screaming ‘blackie’

[@Rosaeart]

Y’all finna hate me for this take but when it comes to the men they all are throwing a little bit of degrading shade The sex talk And her realizing she’s just an object Her white husband Degrading black people and the subtle shade of getting “darker” And her sons disrespect That’s because mommy is literally an object to the father and she clearly will not go through the lynching ect so mom is just mom This movie is showing how black men view us And how at the party from my knowledge I didn’t see a dark skin women dancing with the dark skin man in sight

[@auroraseyets8516]

There is soooo much to unpack in this film

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

Yes

[@existentialmel]

I’m really excited to watch the film now that I know it was well done because the book is sooo subtle there’s so many little things you can miss and I feel like I just need this story played out for me in my face

[@cicixmorales8438]

The only people I can think of that knew Claire was passing was Irene, her husband, & Mr. Hue. My theory is that Irene did call Claire’s husband out of jealousy from the way Brian and Claire connected. She may have made a call about her whereabouts but didn’t intend for her death that night. But then again who knows 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@chamab.6800]

What I found interesting is that Brian shaded Claire hard in the beginning before meeting her. But once he did he didn’t keep that same energy. Did he actually cheat? I don’t physically but I do think there was some flirting and emotional cheating. What I also liked was how the imagery showed Brian and Claire getting closer together through a mirror. When Claire would come over for whatever event, dinner etc. Irene would come down the stair case you could see Brian and Claire in the mirrors reflection. It gave the impression that they were standing very close. But when Irene came all the way downstairs they weren’t. And I noticed that over time, if I remember correctly, every time Irene would see their reflection in the mirror, it would appear that they were standing closer and closer together though they weren’t in real life. I feel like that imagery was showing that Brian would eventually physically cheat. And Hugh was definitely a Good Judy.

[@kaiymariewalker8823]

Such a good read of this movie! I definitely got the lesbian subtext but when you said passing for straight it all clicked thats sooo deeeep! It was definitely an interesting film tragic ending.

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

There was definitely an uncomfortable feeling between Irene and Claire. They were jealous of each other. Why did Irene keep allowing Claire in her home,

[@kaneisha7473]

@@kayshawnsimmons6822 I didn’t get that part either. I would’ve been cut Claire off but she liked her and they were good friends and I think she was worried ppl would say she was jealous or insecure. Also because everyone loved Claire I think maybe she tried to tell herself she was tripping. I also believe she felt bad for Claire. Yeah I got the vibe that they maybe experimented with each other when they were younger or they had this unhealthy and jealous admiration for each other because they longed to be each other.

[@kayshawnsimmons6822]

@@kaneisha7473 Claire wanted white money and life style, but Claire also wanted black culture. She liked being the center of attention.

[@EbonySheWolf]

As far as Irene and her husband’s disagreement on teaching the boys about lynchings… I think that I agree with her husband more but any mother wants to protect their children’s innocence and wants them to enjoy their childhood and I think she really wanted to hurry up and move to South America before they got old enough to learn about the injustices… she kept saying “let’s go to South America” cause she didn’t want her boys to know struggle like that… and her husband was down for it until Clare came into the picture! Now he’s shackled to America and teaching the sons the harsh reality. But yeah I think this conversation still takes place in many black homes. I was taught about the unfair treatment of blacks when I was like 8

[@KingMias]

I literally died when you said he was getting LGBTQ vibes you know everybody got that friend that you can just glance at it and they know exactly what you’re talking about you are hilarious and I love you

[@joshuaanthony6320]

I literally watched it yesterday, and it was amazing. Clare was just so eerie to me, especially when she was around her husband. The ending was just so dark and eerie and it made me cringe. Both actresses were amazing 😍

[@heyits_drake]

I read this book in middle school and to see the book come to life 👏👏

[@shewhoknows.792]

All the women in my life, family, friends; are passing as happy. Sigh. Definitely will watch. Thanks

[@samanthai2781]

The film was okay. This movie gave cryracial victim vibes and they couldn’t have found a better wig for that white passing character ?

[@BriannaGibbsLovatictaylorcyrus]

It was the 1930’s 🤪

[@ashasun6620]

Right she passed more in color then in black n white. The wig was a giveaway

[@kachyn_]

@@ashasun6620 the frontal was too obvious for us 😭😭

[@angelwingz622]

I am sooooo glad I caught this in my recommended. I love your videos

[@iameloho718]

♥️♥️♥️

[@fatimah230]

Idk I just can’t ever get past the casting for these films…neither of these women look like they’d pass for anything but black back then. They did this with that series “Queen” too when they casted Halle Berry, who clearly has African ancestry 🙄 it’s just not believable. They should have had someone who looks like Rashida Jones or Meghan Markle, and even Meghan is kind of a stretch…

[@LovinCosmetics]

Oooh I agree. I get the idea but both of these women look black for back then.. In my opinion. If we were to look up women back then who really were passing, they wouldn’t look like these two women.

[@mi3helle707]

@@LovinCosmetics Exactly.

[@mi3helle707]

Rashida Jones would have been great.

[@moons4363]

Agree

[@paisleyjones214]

Biracial ain't black

[@LearningToLove..]

I picked up on the “lesbian tension”, too. It was the sensual glances and subtle touches. Idk & I know it doesn’t matter, but I did pick up on it.

[@RadiantRuby]

I really enjoyed the movie! Very refreshing, made me think and allowed my creativity to feel in the blanks.

[@kayyynicole7849]

Irene definitely tried to call Claire to warn her that her husband possibly knew her secret.

[@treyledeaux3042]

The majority of people who “passed” back then were white folks with a little African ancestry. White people went to extremes to ensure that any Black DNA, no matter how diluted, wasn’t to be tolerated in their presence. That is where the “one drop rule” stems from and NOT a visibly mixed person. That’s what sets African Americans apart from others in the diaspora. We’re a community of heavily admixed people. This is also why someone with two ADOS parents can share a phenotype with someone biracial.

[@byebrooke]

I haven’t started watching this yet (video or movie), but I just wanna say it reminds me already of the classic “Imitation of Life”

[@seroquelz]

This was such a subtly movie, the entire vibe and quiet suspense really fit with the theme. It left me feeling constantly like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, which is probably how people who were passing back then felt. Wondering who was going to find out and how that could end in their death and their child's death. I LOVE LOVE LOVED the scene with Claire basking in the sunlight. The joy on her face of enjoying the sun on her skin. It's probably the first time in years she was able to enjoy the sun because goodness forbid she tan and her Black features become more evident to her white husband/social group. I think people might have been expecting something more like Get Out or Them, with more blood and violence - this was very different in an enjoyable way for me. I'm still questioning exactly what happened at the end. But s word makes sense too. If she were to get called out for passing, that would've changed her entire life and her poor daughter. Maybe she didn't want to face it. I'm sure her husband kept the fact that she was Black under wraps and never revealed it to their daughter.

[@nakiaworld21]

This film felt like poetry. I loved it.

[@SolitaryGem]

I wasn't gonna watch this movie but after this review, I think I will. You always put out the best videos👏🏾

[@nashaymarie2567]

First and foremost Great Movie 👏🏾

[@GetIntoTheBLACK]

I don’t think Irene told the husband. I think the husband put two and two together when he saw Irene out on the street and she was acting so strange. Remember the husband in the beginning mentioned how Claire also didn’t like black people and he’s probably like why would my wife associate with a woman who hangs out with black people when she won’t even allow a black maid in the house. The husband when he showed up to the party also mentioned that he went to Irene’s house prior to coming there that’s how he got the address to the party and knew his wife was there. I think Irene knew the husband was going to eventually figure it out but I don’t think she told. I also think Claire jumped. Claire dying would ultimately give the husband a great excuse to continue to live his life with his child without the shame of the child’s blackness being known. I also don’t feel like Irene put enough force behind her hand to actually push Claire out the window. Claire was kinda some ways from the window but I do like how the ending really could have two interpretations. But the part I found interesting was the cops interactions with everyone when they were discussing the husband possibly being the one who pushed Claire. That cop was basically like “yeah you really think imma let this white man take the fall when all yaw black men are here”. When Irene came down and clarified it was an accident and Claire just fell the cops said something like “yeah that’s what I thought” I was like oooops that cop was nasty.

[@iameloho718]

😂👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 exactly

[@ChaRree_Vyu444]

I might have to watch this movie now😆.thx for sharing💯

[@peppermintpattie6006]

The funny thing is that neither of them were believable for passing as white women. The only thing that they were passing was time. Thanks for the video!

[@purplelove3666]

😂

[@kingofenigma9534]

@@kingkris6877 you mean black people not poc

[@FairyBogFather]

this film was a fantastic adaption of the novel by Nella Larsen. highly recommend reading it if you liked this movie! :)

[@LSERA13]

I think Irene pushed Claire accidentally. There are several scenes when Irene accidentally drops something from the window due to her preoccupation with something or her anxiety.

[@eve9287]

She definitely had a mental problem always panicking, very antsy

[@cobeemint93]

Now that you mention it I totally agree that everyone was passing for something. I’ll have to watch it again.

[@aerikaashley7519]

I loved the movie passing! It was so good! For me, my theory about the last scene with Claire falling. I think Claire accidentally tripped Backwards and Irene could have saved her but did not save her. It looks like her hand gave out and she could have stopped Claire from falling as she was backing up. But Idk what do you guys think?

[@valeriew.lovecraft]

I loved this analysis of the film and this definitely filled in a couple of holes it left after watching only once.

[@fiyaworx]

After John saw Irene in public and came into realization that she was black, she called the operator then said, “never mind it’s not that urgent.” She was going to warn Claire that John knows that she’s black, thus realizing that his wife was also black. However this bitterness came over her, so she decided not to warn Claire in hopes that she would get in trouble. Sooo that leads to the whole “what would you do if he found out” 😌 I don’t think anybody called John. Irene knew John would figure out a way to find them

[@bbnlccm3]

The Imitation of life is one of the greatest passing films there is today!

[@franciscorodriguez552]

LOVED this review! Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ I actually wrote a thesis for grad school with a similar concept that focuses on Latinos/Latinx community. “Passing vs Non-Passing: Experiences & Understandings of Being Presumed White” feel free to check it out.

[@emilybeth6061]

This was a good break down of the movie. Please do more videos like this. It’s good to hear other interpretations of movies and books.

[@Onelovekeepcalm]

You forgot the part where claire's husband bumped into Irene on the street when she was with her black friend!! And then he realised she was actually half blk aka passing!!! Everything went downhill after that.

[@willow1144]

Don’t forget the part when Clairs husband said that she hates black ppl more than he does. And that she hates them so much that she doesn’t let black ppl be their maid. Now I feel like she was tryna over compensate bc she’s black. Or bc she’s paranoid the black maid might know her.

[@LashaeLovely90]

Overall the movie was really good👍🏾 Claire was getting a lil too comfortable with Irene’s husband. I knew this movie wasn’t going to end well under the obvious circumstances but I was not expecting that ending!!