Passing.

It is difficult, without going way over the top, to say how good a film this is. Shot in 4:3 format and in black and white - the black and white is essential to the story in several ways, the 4:3 was apparently a budgetary decision as the production struggled to raise the funds needed for the project. A good decision and a fortuitous circumstance combining to make the film look different, and fit the time it portrays. 

Passing.

The title of the film primarily refers to women of colour passing as white in 1920s America. The story explores the relationship between two school friends who meet again in adulthood, having established different lives. 

This is a quiet film, it plays on the tensions within a number of relationships and retells a certain history. Written, produced and directed by Rebecca Hall in her directorial debut and derived from a novel published in 1929 by Nella Larsen it sits in the same league as The Power of the Dog, exceptional cinema.

Available on Netflix.