6.6
Where can I stream Passing legally?
Passing is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Passing
2021·Movie
·1h 38min·PG-13·
Passing fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor3
World
History, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition8
- Editing7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Passing is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighHistory, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, the mind, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Nothing is black and white.
In 1920s New York City, a Black woman finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who's passing as white.
Race and Identity1920s HarlemPsychological DramaBlack woman passing as whiteExploration of ColorismCharacter-DrivenSubtle but powerfulHigh Production ValueMelancholyClass and Society
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about Passing
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Passing worth watching?
64
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Passing rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is Passing?
1 h 38 min
Passing runs 1 h 38 min.
Is Passing based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Passing?
Critics96
Audiences68
Not quite. Critics rate Passing higher (96) than audiences (68). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Passing in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Passing?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Passing in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Passing use?
Attention WhoreOh, Crap!Sanity SlippageDowner EndingAffably EvilPass FailGilded CageBut Not Too BlackDeliberately MonochromeBetty and VeronicaPolitically Incorrect VillainChocolate Babyand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for Passing, including Attention Whore, Oh, Crap!, Sanity Slippage.