Passing (2021) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 2021 • 1h 38m
Two Black women who grew up together reconnect as adults — one has been passing as white. Shot in black-and-white. The PG-13 rating covers the film's racial and emotional complexity.
Cast
Is Passing appropriate for kids?
Two Black women who grew up together reconnect as adults — one has been passing as white. Shot in black-and-white. The PG-13 rating covers the film's racial and emotional complexity. Read more — free account
Content severity in Passing
What happens in Passing, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:38 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Passing
There is no on-screen sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses instead on the complex emotional intimacy and societal tensions between the two female leads. Occasional verbal references are made to infidelity or the nature of marital relationships, but these remain subtle and mature in tone.
Violence and gore in Passing
The film does not contain graphic violence or gore, maintaining a somber and psychological atmosphere. A significant, fatal fall occurs toward the end of the movie, though the event is portrayed with restraint rather than visceral detail. The primary impact is emotional rather than physical, aligning with the film's character-driven focus.
Language in Passing
Moderate language is present throughout the film, punctuated by the era-appropriate use of racial slurs. Specifically, a white character uses highly offensive terms in a casual, derogatory manner during a tense social interaction. The dialogue reflects the harsh racial prejudices of the 1920s, which provides a heavy, realistic weight to the PG-13 rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Passing
There is no recreational drug use or excessive substance abuse shown in the film. Characters are occasionally seen in social settings common for the time period, such as parties or dinners where tobacco or alcohol might be present in the background. However, these elements are not a focus of the narrative and are portrayed as brief, period-appropriate details.
Mature themes in Passing
Racial passing and what it costs — both the woman who passes and the woman who watches. A film about identity as a choice that can only be made under certain conditions. Irene's complicated feelings about Clare's passing are the film's emotional engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Passing appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Passing is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG-13. Two Black women who grew up together reconnect as adults — one has been passing as white. Shot in black-and-white. The PG-13 rating covers the film's racial and emotional complexity.
What age rating does Passing have?
Passing is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is Passing about?
Two Black women who grew up together reconnect as adults — one has been passing as white. Shot in black-and-white. The PG-13 rating covers the film's racial and emotional complexity.
Is there sex or nudity in Passing?
There is no on-screen sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses instead on the complex emotional intimacy and societal tensions between the two female leads. Occasional verbal references are made to infidelity or the nature of marital…
How violent is Passing?
The film does not contain graphic violence or gore, maintaining a somber and psychological atmosphere. A significant, fatal fall occurs toward the end of the movie, though the event is portrayed with restraint rather than visceral detail. The primary impact…
Is the language in Passing appropriate for kids?
Moderate language is present throughout the film, punctuated by the era-appropriate use of racial slurs. Specifically, a white character uses highly offensive terms in a casual, derogatory manner during a tense social interaction. The dialogue reflects the…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Passing?
There is no recreational drug use or excessive substance abuse shown in the film. Characters are occasionally seen in social settings common for the time period, such as parties or dinners where tobacco or alcohol might be present in the background. However…
What mature themes appear in Passing?
Racial passing and what it costs — both the woman who passes and the woman who watches. A film about identity as a choice that can only be made under certain conditions. Irene's complicated feelings about Clare's passing are the film's emotional engine.
How long is Passing?
Passing runs 98 minutes, directed by Rebecca Hall, released in 2021.
Where can I read the full Passing parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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