Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut Passing is a story about race and identity that finds its own subject matter to be absurd.

Colorism has reached the forefront of conversation in recent years as Hollywood and culture at large has been asked to reckon with its obvious preference for lighter skin. Companies have made a show of providing a wider range of skin tones in their make-up and lingerie lines. Both Beyoncé and Solange have released popular songs and videos celebrating dark skin and the diverse beauty of Black women. Their intentions are clear: using positive representation to uplift Black women and alter the conversation around beauty standards for the better. But despite the renewed interest, colorism has always been part of the lives of Black women. There have always been those who endorsed it, condemned it, or pointedly opposed the conversation entirely. Regardless of their position, Black women have always been aware of the privilege associated with proximity to whiteness.

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