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Rebecca Hall’s ‘Passing’ Says the Most in the Silences

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Passing opens on a busy street in 1920s New York. A mysterious woman (Tessa Thompson) is roaming through Manhattan. In this part of town, she anxiously hides behind a wide-brimmed hat covering half her face. It’s every bit intentional. When she later settles down in the grand tea room at The Drayton Hotel, she stays camouflaged among a sea of lily-white couples. As she people-watches, her eyes lock on an almost unnoticeable old friend, Clare Kendry (Ruth Negga), who blends in perfectly with the crowd.

In her directorial debut, Rebecca Hall takes on an ambitious adaptation of Passing, a 1929 novel written by Harlem Renaissance author Nella Larsen about two Black women who live parallel truths: one, Clare, is passing as white, and the other, Thompson’s Irene, envies the privileges that come with the act. When it first premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, Passing was touted as a “psychological thriller about obsession, repression, and the lies people tell themselves and others to protect their carefully constructed realities.” But the film is less potent than its subject matter. Instead, race identity in America is a soft whisper that is meant to haunt instead of educate.

Though both of these light-skinned Black women have shared a similar upbringing, Irene and Clare could not have grown further apart. Irene lives in Harlem with her two children and charming husband (André Holland), who is Black. Clare has dyed her hair blonde and lives partially in Europe with her daughter and racist husband (Alexander Skarsgård), who is white. After catching up over champagne in Clare’s suite, the dynamic between the two women tightens, emphasized by the enclosing camera shots. While Clare seems delighted to be reunited with an old friend, Irene appears hesitant and reserved. It doesn’t make Irene any more comfortable when Clare says dating a rich white man is “well worth the price,” implying that she’s comfortable passing as a white woman and benefiting from it. Or when Clare’s husband walks in, expressing his gratitude for Clare’s “whiteness.” Irene soon realizes that her childhood friend was now someone with a secret, because the man who hates Black people so much did not realize his wife was one.

Clare (Negga) and her husband (Alexander Skarsgard)

Netflix

passing on netflix

André Holland as Irene’s husband and Thompson as Irene

Netflix

Passing sits in the discomfort, where claiming Blackness is done with reluctance; the malaise hovers over the characters in their interactions with white people and lingers when briefly discussed amongst each other. In many ways, Hall depicts that actions of racial prejudice are not always the most obvious ones.

Negga’s performance as Clare, like her characterization in the novel, is charismatic and intoxicating, so much so that she snakes her way into Irene’s life, desperate for friendship and access to a community she abandoned. When Clare attends her first party back in Harlem, all the guests circle around her orbit. She demands to be known. Clare exudes this magnetism, from how she glides across a room to her nonchalant smize.

“In many ways, Hall depicts that actions of racial prejudice are not always the most obvious ones.”

Thompson delivers one of her greatest roles to date: an uptight, sometimes white-passing woman who cannot seem to reveal much about herself. Irene is proper and politically correct; she barely discusses race unless provoked by her husband, and feels insecure in her identity, which is magnified by her sudden encounter with Clare. As she starts getting ready for a party, her eyes fixed on her vanity mirror, she questions her husband about Clare. Though she doesn’t make direct eye contact with him, she implies that he’s attracted to Clare, as if he knew what he was doing, and Irene grows irritated. Her jealousy spirals, yet it is not strong enough to let go of her undefined bond with Clare, probably because Irene cannot resist her either. But, it is hard to tell when Thompson’s character barely addresses how she is feeling, which is why some of her actions muddle. Irene spends the first few acts avoiding confrontation; she lets chaos unravel in front of her eyes, like how Clare strolled into her life without question. Clare and Irene embody many of the topics this film attempts to address—such as racial identity, insecurity, and envy—but at times, the silent gazes are all that they are: gazes in white noise.

Spanish cinematographer Edu Grau shoots in a black-and-white portrait style and classic 4:3 aspect ratio, creating a lush, dreamlike world that juxtaposes with the intense dialogue. Every shot looks like you’re sifting through a cloud or a memory. In collaboration with production designer Nora Mendis, costume designer Marci Rodgers, and composer Dev Hynes, the team recreated Harlem in the ‘20s while making it feel tangible today. Although it creates the illusion that you’re floating while following these characters, it tricks you into a comfortable solace—until it doesn’t. The ending scenes, for example, offer an intriguing twist worth untangling that instead feels rushed compared to its usual slow burn.

rebecca hall behind the scenes of passing with thompson and negga

Rebecca Hall (right) behind the scenes with Thompson and Negga.

Netflix

From the start, the unlikely friendship between Irene and Clare is compelling enough due to its complexity and sexual tension that never fully unfurls. While race might be the premise of the film, there’s an underlying jealousy between both women that carries the plot forward. Clare wants to be submerged into Black culture; Irene resents the dangers of it. When Irene’s husband mentions a recent lynching incident to his sons, Irene hurries over to say “not now.” They’re not ready, she implies. This is the extent the film allows itself to overtly discuss racial violence. Passing is aware of its subtlety and commits its loudest dialogues to physical mannerisms and body language. It thrives in a space for the characters to execute those longing stares and passive aggressive comments. Some might not find it to be enough.

Rebecca Hall’s provocative directorial debut is not an easy story to pull off, but once it lures you into a haze, you’ll catch yourself thinking about how the world it creates in the 1920s is not, in fact, so different from the one we live in now.

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Fashion

Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving

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Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving


On Wednesday night, Jennifer Lopez arrived in Los Angeles with her 13-year-old twins Max and Emme. The family was likely there to join Lopez’s boyfriend, Ben Affleck, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lopez recently returned from the much colder climate of British Columbia, Canada, where she was filming her latest project, The Mother.

J. Lo touched down in her private jet wearing a teddy fur coat from Coach’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, and a pair of Ugg boots. Classic airplane outfit, celebrity style. Lopez and Affleck originally dated in 2002 and broke up in 2004. Their romance was rekindled earlier this year, soon after Lopez ended her relationship with baseball player Alex Rodriguez. The new couple went official in July, while celebrating Lopez’s 52nd birthday abroad.

Affleck’s most recent relationship with Ana de Armas ended in January after about a year together. He had divorced ex-wife Jennifer Garner in 2015 after being married for almost a decade. Garner and Affleck had three daughters, Violet, Seraphina, and Sam.

Before traveling back to the U.S., Lopez posted a story to Instagram Reels about how grateful she was to be headed home.

“Hey everybody, it’s my last day here shooting on The Mother out in Smithers in the snow, it’s been beautiful, but tonight I’m on my way home,” she said, as she walked through the wild landscape in a black coat and beanie.

“I’m so excited for Thanksgiving! I hope everybody has an amazing weekend with their families and their loved ones, there’s so much to be grateful for this year. I’m on my way!”

This is the first major holiday of the year since Lopez and Affleck reunited, so it’s likely to be a big one for both families.

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Everlane’s Black Friday Sale is Packed With Winter Essentials

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This is not a drill: Everlane just kicked off its Black Friday sale. Now through Monday, November 29, the direct-to-consumer brand is offering 20 to 40% off its cozy sweaters, minimalist activewear, and popular jeans. If you’re not super familiar with Everlane, let me spell it out for you: this is a big deal.

The e-tailer might be known for making sustainable, ethically made clothes and accessories at a fair, affordable price, but Everlane rarely has sales beyond its Choose What You Pay section. So, if you want to stock up on cute basics for less, now’s your time to shop.

And, in true Everlane fashion, the brand is taking this opportunity to give back. Everlane is partnering with Rodale Institute and help U.S. farmers transition their farmland to regenerative organic—and donating $15 per order to the cause. A great sale that gives back? I’m sold.

But, hurry! These deals are going to sell out fast, so you won’t want to waste any time filling your e-cart.

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1

The Cloud Turtleneck

$150 $105 (30% off)

Sweater weather is officially here, so why not pick up a few fresh layers? This turtleneck is the S’s: snuggly, stylish, and on sale. 

2

The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans

everlane

$78 $58 (25% off)

Looking for a great pair of jeans, minus the markup? Everlane’s classic skinny style is not only super stretchy, but it’ll look good with everything from chunky sweaters to silky blouses.

3

The ReNew Teddy Slippers

everlane

$65 $39 (40% off)

Why limit the shearling trend to the upper half of your body? These plush slippers will give even your most worn-in sweats a stylish edge.

4

The Chunky Cardigan

everlane

$110 $77 (30% off)

Sure, this may not be the cardigan Taylor Swift was talking about. But, with an exaggerated collar and ribbed finish, this style would definitely score top marks from the singer herself. 

5

The Canvas Utility Boots

everlane

$115 $59 (40% off)

Brave the cold weather in style with Everlane’s chic boots. The canvas uppers and thick sole make these an ideal, all-weather option.

6

The Lofty-Knit Henley

everlane

$150 $105 (30% off)

Made with a nubby blend of merino wool, alpaca, and recycled nylon, this henley is perfect for a cozy night in, yet stylish enough to wear in public.

7

The Perform Bike Shorts

everlane

$45 $22 (51% off)

No, you can never have too many stretchy pants. Everlane’s bike shorts ooze major Lady Di vibes — for under $25, no less.

8

The ReLeather Court Sneakers

everlane

$110 $66 (40% off)

Made with recycled leather, these refresh sneakers will serve up major curb appeal — and Mother Nature’s seal of approval. 

9

The Field Dress

everlane

$100 $60 (40% off)

Found: a fun, flouncy frock you can wear year-round. For a wintry take, pair with opaque tights and your favorite chunky boots.

10

The Cozy-Stretch Wide-Leg Sweatpants

everlane

$150 $75 (50% off)

With a straight-legged silhouette and wool material, it’s safe to say these are the chicest sweatpants we’ve ever seen. To sweeten an already enticing offer, this pair is half off.

11

The Organic Cotton Flannel Popover

$80 $56 (30% off)

Everlane reimagined the traditional flannel with a cropped silhouette, voluminous sleeves, and a slew of minimalist colors.

12

The Studio Bag

everlane

$275 $192 (30% off)

Large enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big that it’ll weigh you down, Everlane’s Studio Bag is the perfect everyday purse.

13

The ReNew Long Liner

everlane

$158 $118 (25% off)

House Stark was right: winter really is coming. Made with recycled materials, this liner is a great layering piece that’s considerably chicer than the yesteryear’s Michelin Man-worthy parkas.

14

The Felted Merino Beanie

everlane

$50 $30 (40% off)

All set on clothes? Pick up this cheery beanie, which is 40% off its original price.

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Fashion

29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy

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29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy



29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy

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