Passing Explained | Ending Explained 

Hope this is helpful! What were your thoughts and ideas about Passing? I would love to discuss! Let me know below!!

This movie beautifully covered every definition of passing: 1. Passing for white 2. Passing for straight 3. Passing by one another 4. Passing away

I love that the film also doesn't forget to remind us of the disparity in privilege between light skin vs. dark skin especially in women. Both of the heroines are light skinned enough to pass for white, they get to be in high society and experience respect and fairness, while the maid is dark skinned and doesn't have that privilege in fact even her black employer is very strict to downright harsh with her. There's a scene where Irene's husband says "I like my women dark" but do you really, considering your wife is being played by Tessa Thompson? It's like dark skinned black women are invisible.

I think Irene's husband's story was also interesting. At first he thought of Claire as a horrible woman, but then became enamored with her, and even fiercely defended her. It seemed as if he, and the boys enjoyed the idea of Clare, of the freedom she represented, like they could live vicariously through her. When around her they could experience some of what it would be like to be carefree and white. He wanted to leave the constraints of life as a black person in America, and go to Brazil. In Claire he saw someone brave enough, braver than Irene, who wasn't afraid to leave one world for another, and admired her for it.

My own personal theory is that Irene had a hand in John’s appearance at the party that night. Just seemed all too coincidental, right? Amazing video and thanks for sharing!!!

I believe when Irene dropped the teapot and was numbly explaining how she was happy she dropped it because she had been trying to find ways to get rid of it, that was her telling her true feelings about wanting to get rid of Clare. To me, that explains why when Clare actually fell, Irene didn’t budge or show any emotion at all. If she truly cared for her well being and if the fall had been accidental, why didn’t she rush down to help like everyone else? Her state of shock seemed more like guilt shock.

I just want to throw out something that I noticed. Brian was often tired and napping in the beginning of the movie. Then later it was Irene. I think there was latent sadness in Irene's marriage from the start due to lack of genuine love and intimacy. Irene's depression grew deeper once her childhood love, Claire resurfaced. Then she began sleeping alot. Claire turned her world upside down.

I noticed the lightening of the film. Irene's home was dark, and Claire's world was well lit. Thank you for post this. Intense movie, but wonderfully acted.

it seemed as if irene was passing for straight and clare was passing for white. idk it could just be me who saw this but the way that they looked at each other and even the letter that was written made it seem like they were once together or wanted to be. interesting movie !!

Maybe I’m reading too deeply into this but I also found it interesting when Clare mentioned her fears that her daughter would be dark and Irene chimes in and said her sons are dark. It’s interesting how Clare doesn’t really seemed to be that bothered that Irene’s sons are dark(and obviously because Irene isn’t passing for white whereas Claire is and that could be dangerous for her and her child’s safety)but I felt that part spoke to how dark skin sons are viewed in comparison to dark skin daughters. Even the way that Irene treated her dark skin maid whilst having dark skin sons speaks to the issue people have with dark skin girls but not dark skin boys.

During the opening cafe scene I believe Irene is also scared that Claire who she does not recognize has caught on to the fact that she is not white and at an all white restaurant, which is why she begins to get up to leave. I also feel that there are lesbian undertones between Clair and Irene and perhaps they experimented when younger.

I love this. However, I’d like to offer: Irene pushed Clare because she saw how easy it would be for Clare to step into her place as a caring, fun wife, loving listening mother, friend to a maid. Clare confessed that she had no conscience. She practically admitted to being a sociopath. I think she had her eyes on a new prize!

I think Claire purposefully “fell” out of the window because watching this scene, I noticed she actually looked back and stepped a little closer to the open window while her husband was yelling at her. Also, when her husband first came into the apartment yelling and asking where she was, Claire heard him. Everyone started turning their heads wondering what was going on and who was this yelling, and she never looked to see who it was or what was going on at first. She just walked over to where Irene was in a calm manner. Most people would know their spouse’s voice and I feel she definitely recognized his. She knew that he now knew her secret and her life would change in any numerous ways which would not be good for her.

What I took away from this film was this: 1.) Clare was a selfish person who always got her way be either being underhanded or deceitful. Absolutely no regard for her fellow people of color. That’s a whole different kind of self hate right there. 2.) She basically pranced in and bit by bit started winning the favor of everyone around Irene. With the exception of Hugh who saw straight through Clare’s little games. 3.) Irene trying not to seem crazy from all the gaslighting her husband was doing, turned to self medicating (the bottle on the nightstand. Also explains why she’s always tired). 4.) After running into John she had the idea to snitch on Clare. That’s why she asked her the question of “what would you do if…” 5.) When Irene opened the window initially I honestly think she was considering jumping herself 6.) When John arrived Clare walked over to Irene and they had a whole conversation without words. She knew Irene ratted her out and she also knew she had it coming. 7.) I personally think that Irene either pushed her accidentally or as a reflex. OR… Clare jumped on her own. That’s just my interpretation. The cool thing about films like this is the fact that your own personal experiences impact your perspective. So different people with different experiences watch the same film but pick up completely different messages from it. All are valid.

I don’t think Clare even missed being “black” or having proximity to blackness. She liked being a novelty, fetishized… Just as Hugh’s wife was fetishized at the party.

Option 4 The symbolism of the pot falling from the window with Irene trying to save it echos Claire's falling from the window with Irene trying to save her. The pot falling was inevitable because it was living on the edge as was Claire. I believe she tried to move out of John's way and fell. Like the pot. It just fell.

I appreciate your synopsis of the ending. It does make the movie more meaningful. However, I don't think Irene would have pushed Clare to end her suffering. I think Irene would have pushed Clare because she (Irene) was secretly resentful and jealous of Clare. Clare was clearly a narcissist. She outed herself in the scene where she said she does anything to anyone to get what she wants. She was taking Irene's place and Irene was losing her identity. Clare would have killed Irene to have her life if it came right down to it. Just my perspective, but I truly loved yours as well. I watched this video a few times after the movie. Very insightful!

"Death by misadventure" - a death primarily attributed to an accident that occurred due to a risk that was taken voluntarily.

I don't believe Irene pushed Claire. But if she did I don’t believe she would push Claire because she was jealous of her flirting with her husband. Irene encouraged them to go out alone together even after seeing Claire flirt with her husband. The only plausible reason she would push Claire is because Claire aroused the feeling Irene was trying to run from for years. Irene wanted to be with Claire and those feelings weren't normal for ppl at that period in time. Every time she seen her the feelings would get stronger. The scene with Irene and her husband at the kitchen table, Irene projected her true feelings about Claire on to her husband. Claire's presence was starting to create a wedge in Irene's marriage and her feelings towards Brian. Getting rid of Claire was the only way her life could go back to "normal ".

Clare jumped herself, no one pushed her. When Irene asked her before if she had a plan for when he found out about the passing, her nod made me think directly of suicide. The husband reaction in the end is also not of someone who just pushed their partner. This movie was a piece of art, incredible acting, directing, score and cinematography

When Clare said she would move to Harlem if her husband found out and then her husband randomly showed up to the party, I think Clare was setting it up for her husband to find out and Irene wasn't going to take the risk of Clare stepping into her life. Irene's subconscious pushed her out the window. Amazing film!

Wow! This is hands down one of the best comment sections on RU-vid. I love reading all of the different literary interpretations. Makes me want to go watch the movie again after reading all of the different theories about Irene and Claire.

I watched this video, read the comments and then watched the movie. I had typed up all my points to support my theory - then watched the ending again and changed my mind. This is your classic Greek tragedy (defined below). Irene did not intend to harm Claire, nor did she intentionally rat her out. Being found out was just a matter of time. I think Irene opened the window because she herself felt suicidal. She had unravelled and was depressed. When John stormed in, Irene and Claire both looked at each other with a knowing glance that Claire's time was up and because of who Claire was, there were no other options but death. Irene refused to let it be at the hands of John. So basically, it was assisted suicide. Greek Tragedy - a play in which the protagonist, usually a person of importance and outstanding personal qualities, falls to disaster through the combination of a personal failing and circumstances with which he or she cannot deal.

Claire jumped to her demise. If she was pushed she would have let out a scream or a squeal at the least but she just falls back, kind of gracefully. Also notice how Irenes hand just stays in the same place she reaches out to protect Claire from for what seemed like 1-2 minutes then she slowly takes her hand back as the crowd reacts to her fall. Claire’s suicide wasn’t meditated but it WAS intentional from my perspective! Also Irene definitely set her up after suspecting that she was messing with her husband... think about it Irene asks Claire what she would do if her husband ever found out at such a suspicious timing, also I suspect that Clare leaked Irenes address to her husband bc she was tired of Irene showing up unexpected and “stealing” her life!

Thank you for this, I literally just finished watching this 10 minutes ago & rushed to RU-vid for some type of explanation, I was totally frustrated with the ending! Now i get it

Wow I agree with all of these! I was leaning more on Irene pushing her out of anger and immediately regretting it because of the huge pause before going downstairs to check if Claire was actually gone. Another scene that struck my attention was when Clare and Irene sat on the porch while listening to the neighbor play and Clare said that she would do anything to be happy no matter what, hence her getting closer to Brian because Brian wasn’t impressed with her at all in the beginning. It’s crazy how confident Irene was with having Claire around Brian in the beginning and then toward the end she was so insecure! This movie had my head spinning !

Lovely analysis. Here's my take: I do think Irene intentionally pushed Clare, but I also feel this plan was mutual but unspoken between Irene and Clare. Hear me out. Rewinding to right after Irene's encounter with John, once she gets home, she attempts to reach Clare at her home, explaining to the operator that "It's urgent." When it becomes clear that Clare is not available, Irene revises her statement with tears in her eyes, saying "Nevermind, it's not that urgent...I'll try again later." She never does. I believe at that moment is when she really stops to consider the potential benefits of allowing her friend to be found out by her husband. In the next scene we witness her distress as she grapples with this decision, sitting on her porch in the cold. While sharing that moment on the stairs with Clare, Irene still withholds information about her encounter with Irene's husband, despite knowing that Clare's ignorance of these details could, and ultimately do, lead to fatal consequences. I agree with what others have stated in the comments about Clare knowing when her husband is at the door that she'll soon be meeting her end. It's clear that Irene can hear the commotion at the door. Given that she and Clare are at a similar proximity to the door, we can be certain that Clare hears her husband as well, yet she is not alarmed. In fact, she asks for her drink. Interestingly, as John approaches, Irene and Clare exchange knowing glances. It was as if both knew what needed to be done, and Irene was asking if Clare was sure. This would also make sense given that neither Clare nor Irene screamed when Clare fell.I'd imagine Irene felt such a confusing flurry of emotion as she looked down on Clare's lifeless body: grief, relief, guilt, regret, confusion. Irene clasping her hands behind her back suggested to me, however, that despite the overwhelm of emotion, her actions were intentional. The last nail in the coffin to confirm that Irene purposefully pushed her is that as she is slowly walking down the stairs, she overhears someone say they aren't even sure if she's dead. As the closest person to Clare apart from John at that party, it would only make sense for Irene to have run directly to Clare to check for signs of life if she truly was hopeful that her friend had survived the fall. It appears that this is what John had done given that he's sitting in shock quite close to Clare's body. Instead, she runs to her husband seeking confirmation that Clare did indeed die. Of course, everyone processes grief/trauma in different ways, so who knows, but I did find that to be a curious response. Very good movie.

I believe that Claire my have been set up by Irene...Why? Right before the party, Irene asked what would she do if her husband found out. Irene probably wanted Claire out of her life and world.. since her family, maid and friends all seem to be gravitating towards Claire and Finally, Irene's behavior at the party is a bit aloof and strange... sitting alone as if she's waiting for something to happened and something does...nevertheless someone seemed to provided Claire's husband with direct information about where the party from the building address, time and apartment number.

Irene pushed her. Because if you notice she looked down with both of her hands behind her back (throw a stone and hide your hand). It was also her who told John where Clare was. I did find it VERY odd how Irene and her husband allowed the boys to disrespect her. That’s extremely uncommon for children of any race in the 1920s, but particularly so for black children. I know it was intended to juxtapose how they revered Clare, but I found that a bit extreme.

I wanted to fight Irene’s husband the whole movie.

I think it really addresses the fear that makes you never feel free.

I found it interesting that the movie started with her seeing the man passed out on the street from what everyone assumes is "the heat". Others are attending to him- she is disconnected. She is the observer on the ground. She doesn't really know what happened but carries on. The movie ends with her at the top of the building looking down at her Clare dead on the ground. Everyone runs to see what happened... but again, she appears disconnected/not sure what happened. Even once she finally goes outside, everyone is trying to figure out what happened, but she is "just there". Maybe the point is is that in life things can " just happen". We give meaning/interpretation to what happens. All of those factors may have played a role or not in the outcome. Maybe the the truth is is that in all of the commotion, she just fell out of the window. The fact is that any of the 3 could have fallen out. Just like the beginning of the movie and the end of the movie-- no one really knows how it happened...we know that it happened.

I hope this wins the Oscar for Best Film, Costume Design, Lead/Supporting Actor and Best Director. Stunning film.

I wanted to touch on the black and white theme (that the movie is filmed in), i've seen the director say she chose it because it's literal and it's not ...but since the movie is filmed in black and white the audience doesn't have the opportunity to focus on the actresses' complexion... Deciphering who is lighter than who, or could they really fool the white people they were interacting with. especially since black people specifically are so obsessed with complexion. it really leveled the playing field

I feel like Irene & Claire had feelings for eachother

Once Irene didn’t address John while clutched near her Black friend. He had significant suspense somehow and that was quite the twist.

i think you explained the symbolism and ignorance so well! the hidden but obvious symbols made the movie so interesting to watch. it felt like we were waiting for something dramatic to happen as their own anixieties/worries were increasing and the audience could definitely feel it. i loved it omg

Just went through 3 videos trying to figure out the ending and no one explained it except for you. Thank you!

I believe that she jumped herself. Claire before the party told Irene that she already knew what she would do if John found out. And when John found out that’s when she moved towards the window. I think it is option three

I saw it as: Irene was in love with Clare (or possibly once was- at this point grew to lust. This means that she may be bisexual. Being trapped in an unhappy/stale marriage with her husband began to eat at her when she really wanted Clare. Her affection and intimacy with her husband was always unauthentic and forced), and Clare was in love with the superiority she had over Irene (i.e., flirting with Irene's husband right in front of her; showing off her own White husband and letting Irene sit defenseless as he addressed Clare as "N•g" and say other abhorrent things about Black people; constantly upstaging Irene and being the life of the party around others; Getting close to Irene's children and her maid while both the latter had a possible disdain for Irene herself). Irene constantly did things to make Clare happy, even practically throwing her husband at her when she noticed that Clare showed interest in him. It seemed like maybe during their childhood they had an unhealthy co -dependency, and this resurfaced when they reunited. This is why Irene suddenly became a "people-pleaser", she thought she outgrew it once they grew apart but clearly it was repressed. Irene very well recognised Clare that morning at the hotel restaurant, she just pretended to because she did not want the "old" her to reemerge, she wanted to be seen as the superior one for once. I also believe that Irene internalised what Clare said to her outside that day and somewhat embodied it herself (the narcissistic spiel Clare gave about "doing anything to get what she wants"); Irene took that to heart considering she wanted Clare but felt as though too many variables were in the way. A classic case of "If I can't have you to myself, then nobody can". -This is why she pushed her out of the window. If she never ended up pushing her out of the window in that moment, I believe later on that night she would have pushed her down the staircase inside of the apartment complex. I believe that both Irene and Clare exhibit multiple traits from some "Cluster B" Personality disorders.

Great summary! When the movie ended, I was reminded of Claire’s line “we are nothing alike.” Indeed they were just alike. Irene wore the mask much better than Claire. I believe Irene orchestrated the entire evening to make it appear as an accident or something more sinister. It was clear to me that Irene would go to any lengths just like Claire to get what she wants...

"When the comfort of ignorance is taken too far, the consequences are soon to be life-changing or better yet - life-threatening."

I believe Clare jumped base on how the movie shows her landing it didn’t look like John actually got a hold of her.

There’s another book set around the same theme and 3 sisters called “ No easy place to be” for people who still read.

The best movies keep you thinking about them long after watching. This film was brilliant.

I’m inclined to believe that Clare jumped out of the window. She was already living on the edge and even seemed detached from reality. Clare was carrying a heavy inner anguish of misery and shame. She was more capable of ending her life than facing her big lie.

*My theory: not only was Irene passing as white(for one day) but also as an lgbtq person(but not only for one day).* *Irene was infatuated by Claire-had reached out for her hand at the dance-then had pulled back-she had signs of coveting her.* *She'd felt something stirring inside/infatuated especially whenever she was around Claire but then it transitioned to envy/fear with Claires' flirtation, when focused elsewhere-as when she's being wooed by Irenes' husband Brian.* *Irene was envious of this as Claire seemed to have what she in fact had wanted~and Claire felt the same about Irenes' life, as well as freedom in her own community.* ~~>*(It's been said: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.")*

Just saw this today. It was so moving and thought provoking. Honestly, I felt for Claire. There was a sense of security (maybe a false sense of security) that came with passing back then, but at what cost? But anyway, great video!

Loved your analysis. I think it’s weird that John showed up to the party. How did he know where to go and when? Also, when Clare knew her husband was coming to accost her ……she went to stand by an open floor to ceiling window? Irene didn’t flinch when Clare fell and remained behind with her hands behind her back for a while. I think Clare orchestrated it all to get Clare out of her life and away from her husband. She didn’t mean for her to die, but when it happened she was relieved.

When I watched it, I honestly thought Irene accidently pushed clare out the window. John was obviously going to hit her or something and in the movie, it seemed as if Irene held her arm out to protect Clare, forgetting the window was open. And when she did that it caused Clare to stumble back and out of the window.

My mother & grandmother both light skinned black Women from California told me stories when I was little About light skinned people that left their black families and passed for white ..Clare’s death was accidental..She was terrified of John’s rage while backing up to distance her self from John She accidentally fell over the balcony.

I have a theory. Irene was actually in love with Clare, there was a scene where irene grabbed irene's hand, and when someone approached them Clare remove it quickly. Irene was afraid of her true feelings about Clare, that's why she didn't want to move to Europe. In the end, I think it was a mix between love and envy. And passing wasn't only about color but also about sexuality.

I personally think it was Option 2 and I think Irene was secretly threatened by Clare because she had maintained such a high social status from being a light skinned black woman and didn’t want someone coming in and disrupting that, let alone the fear of losing her husband. I also thought it was very purposeful the way Irene treated her nanny to showcase her privilege due to colorism.

Did anyone think Clare was depressed? It explains why she was talking to Brian (a doctor) so much and at the end of the movie she moved so closely to the open window.

One was passing as white, one was passing as straight. Hugh asks Irene if she would ever try passing and Irene said, who’s to say I’m not. Sex is brought up pretty quickly in the film to show that she doesn’t like being touched by her husband but can tolerate it after she’s been around Claire. she likes the nice quiet life they have and wants to keep her sons as safe and normal as possible. She doesn’t want to be reminded of reality when it comes to her own sexual thoughts for Clair or any woman, or when it comes to racial violence against black people. She wanted to know what Clair would do if John found out because she herself probably told John and John said when he entered the party that his wife told him who she was with, he saw Irene on the street and when she snubs him you can tell he starts to put it all together. She opens the window knowing Claire will come near her when John arrives. Irene has tons of motive and it’s all very suspicious. She doesn’t wasn’t Claire coming to wreck her life up more now that she knows Claire’s husband knows and Claire wants to come live her single life with her, to probably steal away her husband instead of be with her so she pushes Claire out the window to protect all of them from the harsh realities they’re being confronted with and deeply afraid of.

Excellent analysis! For a while, Claire seemed to feel that she had overcome major obstacles by passing and was satisfied…for a time… only to realize that she had placed herself in a position worse than hell…she’d lost her sense of self and, effectively, belonged nowhere.

In emphasizing the 'luxury' of Clare's chosen life, you underemphasize Irene's own privilege as the wife of a physician who apparently does not work and is active in the black socialite scene. There is also clearly a homoerotic element to their relationship which is captured in at least two awkward 'touching' scenes. Finally, the symbolic significance of the crack on the wall in Irene's home, which widens each time it is seen, seems to mirror Irene's destabilization once Clare re-enters her life.

I feel like John knew that Claire was black, he didn't want to ask. He loved her. Fascinating! This is happening today.

I feel like both women are opposites Clare even called it out saying “you see I am nothing like you.” Clare though passing as white seemed to live in the now appreciating everything with black culture all the things she missed. Her spirit still connected to her culture. Where Irene, seemed to be disconnected from her culture. She presented herself as everything was fine when in actuality nothing was fine. She had problems in her relationship, a disconnect with her children, and did not always treat her own black maid with respect. I agree ignorance is bliss. She wanted to keep her perfect lifestyle, her jealousy of Clare’s spirit and like ability to everyone, made her reveal the truth when she ran into Clare’s husband. She could have kept walking. By holding her friend hand it was a way revealing the truth. Clare said I’m not like you I will do anything to get what I want that’s where they both seemed to be the same because Irene sealed Clare’s fate since her husband found out wether, he pushed her, she pushed her or fell. She wanted to keep her “perfect” lifestyle and happy home and getting Clare back out her life was the only way. In my opinion 😘

Remember when Irene told Hugh “we’re all passing for something” I think that just signifies that while Clare was passing for being white and the privileges from that, Irene was passing for being straight and her true feelings for Clare … which wouldn’t bring any privileges in those times I feel like Clare and Irene both had something for each other when they were younger and probably both acknowledged it and ignored it at the same time and they never lost those feelings even when they were older and reunited

Magnificent!!! I thought I was the only one confused. I had to rewind 3 times before I Googled this.

I feel like Irene is the reason John found out that Claire is passing and snitched bc she felt like she had something for her husband. Irene basically told Hugh that claire was black. She wanted claire to be caught bc she was jealous of claire. Also I felt like the movie showed the privilege of lighter skinned women. I think Irene was jealous of Claire bc she was more white passing than her and men liked Claire better. Her husband says he likes his women dark but yet he is with white passing Irene. Also the way Irene treats the dark skinned maid like she is better than her. I think Irene set up her friend to get claire out of her life. Claire represents what Irene wishes she could be and do. Claire doesn’t have to have the conversation with her daughter that the world would treat her bad. Claire is charismatic and her husband seems to wish he could be with her. Seems Irene doesn’t want her life and the responsibility of being the perfect black wife. I think in terms of ignorance John wanted to be ignorant concerning his wife’s occasional darkness but claire was going around hanging out with black people and Hugh knew. Rumors were probably spreading, he was probably okay with Claire passing had she not made herself so suspicious. But making it public knowledge posed a risk to him and how he himself and their daughter would be treated by society and his own family. I think John loved claire in his own way. I think he was going to shake her and scream in her face but claire jumped out the window while Irene tried to stop claire from jumping so she could face her consequences.

So are you not going to address the obvious envy Irene has for Clare because she’s flirting and possibly having an affair with her husband? Not to mention that is the reason that she pushed her out of the window…

I really enjoyed listening to your perspective. Your perspective made the movie more meaningful.

Did anyone else feel that Clare was going to push Irene while she was smoking with her back turned… the way she slid around the living room and stopped at the wall and was looking around suspiciously… keep in mind Clare said she had no morals and would do anything to get what she wanted…

This movie is great given that it leaves a lot of plot holes and things to talk about. Irene is PASSING as a straight person, as it's evident in scenes where she seems to be lusting for Claire. She held Claire's hand at the party, and she has this fixation on Claire as if she has always had a thing for her, and Claire was aware of that and loved the attention that was given her, even though she wasn't really a lesbian. Claire was passing as a white woman, but even though she was wealthy, her life was boring, uninteresting, and her husband was always gone now and then. Claire opportunity came through meeting Irene and spending time with her family, flirting with the friend's husband, and being taken favorably by just about everyone. Irene was suffering from her feelings for Claire whenever she was around, liking and at the same time not liking the fact that her husband has taken to Claire as well. Irene also ran the risk of losing her entire family, knowing that it's way more likely that Claire can steal her husband and family from her, than she is a have a relationship with Claire. Knowing that she purposely ignore Claire's husband, which was alarming to the white man. And he eventually set out to discover any secrets of his wife, and Irene was merciless as she gave Claire a slight push backwards knowing that the window was opened, in a manner in which could be seen as accidental by others, or Claire's husband did it. At the end, she faked her tears, and moves on with her life, PASSING as a straight woman once again.

She Definitely Pushed Her Out That Window Like Smooth As Hell Too 🥴

It was pretty laid out that both women had a history of experiencing with each other or at least wanting to do do. Both Clare and Irene used used their abilities to “pass” to their advantage but Irene was ashamed of it. She knew she was taking advantage of this privilege while Clare didn’t care as long as she got what she wanted. Interestingly enough, Irene felt like she couldn’t exist in the same world as Clare and contemplated suicide as she stood by the window but when the opportunity came for Clare to be the one to die instead, she made may for that. She didn’t push her but she certainly didn’t help her either. In the end she got one more upper hand by allowing Clare’s husband who clearing caused her fall, to walk free because she felt that Clare deserved it. The film was more about envy and jealousy than it was actually about sexuality and skin color.

My mother in-law said her aunt passed and lived out her life in Oklahoma so it’s interesting to see a story based on it

I thought Irene pushed Claire out the window intentionally. I saw Irene try to stop John as he stepped threateningly towards Claire, prompting Irene to nudge Claire behind her protectively. Despite genuinely trying to protect Claire, I think Irene consciously wanted Claire gone from her & Brian's life-and I think she was willing to go to drastic lengths to be rid of Claire. I think Irene told John where to find Claire, hoping he'd ruin her & ultimately rid Irene of having to ever see Claire ever again. Irene's initial reaction just after Claire fell wasn't remorseful, & that convinced me Irene deliberately pushed Claire. Also, there was a scene where Claire is watching Irene across the room, as Irene's gaze switches from the window back to Claire being flirtatious with Brian. I wouldn't call it premeditated on Irene's behalf, but I think the thought of pushing Claire occurred to her right then. After Irene pushed Claire, to me, she looked cold, detached & yet visibly relieved & accepting to be rid of Claire. When Irene gets into the courtyard with the others (& the police), that's when she realizes the gravity of what she's done (murder)-but only AFTER she approaches the others & sees how they're all looking at her in horror (except John) b/c they all KNOW she pushed Claire intentionally. I felt like the Black people stayed silent out of respect for Irene & Brian, not wanting to throw away Irene's life by telling on her for someone they didn't really care about (Claire, who was an outlier & a Passer). I think Claire's husband (John) remained silent (but in shock & grief) because he knows Irene did him a huge favor by killing Claire. The secret of who Claire truly was (a Black woman) died with Claire and we all know Irene & the others don't care enough to reveal Claire's true identity to the people in John's world. Now, John can carry on as a widower, & no one (outside the group) would truly know the truth about Claire. By staying silent, John saves face (meaning his reputation & standing in HIS world would remain unaffected). John's so racist, I'm positive he'd never tell his daughter (with Claire) the truth about her Mom. Claire dying as she did means that John's hands are clean in this & he now gets a 2nd chance to remarry properly. John knew the truth about Claire, but I don't think he ever would've killed Claire. I think John would've divorced & left Claire with nothing, but never kill her.

Oscars for everyone involved: Rebecca Hall, Director; Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga and Andre Holland. (Skarsgard has a small part). This is about how racism divides the victims, pits them against each other. Irene turns out to be the far more self-delusional woman. In the long run, say what you will, Irene kills for her denial. It's also a feminist film: jealousy for Claire's successful "passing" as white, but also for her friendship with Irene's husband. Irene does push her out the window. I slowed the film down, and saw it clearly. She didn't do it for Claire, however. She did it out of envy and fear.

I think the monologue about the dropping of the Teapot is very telling Re: window scene. I'm paraphrasing, but it's basically: "Silly me, I was looking for a way to get rid of this, and all I had to do was Break It."

Best movie reviewer on youtube

As someone who’s read the book and seen the movie now, i believe that Clare saw an opportunity to escape the consequences she was about to face and it happened so quickly that she really think before doing. Irene was growing tired of her, but i believed that Irene actually loved Clare, and almost fetishized her in a sense, but still felt threatened. But Irene was inconsolable when she seen Clare dead on the ground in the book.

I just saw the movie but thought it was weird that Irene bring up the fact is John found out and then John shows up. I also thought Irene might have pushed her too but idk. Irene almost to me seemed to be getting annoyed and angry but Claire because in a since she was taking Irene’s life and I think maybe she want John to come.

I truly appreciate your analysis.

Excellent Presentation & Commentary!

Everyone gasped and starred in shock after Claire fell out of the window except Irene. My initial thought was that Irene didn't look or didn't need to look because she was the one that pushed Claire to her death. Now I'm beginning to believe that she didn't look out of fear of the worst being true - true that Claire actually fell and died. Irene's reaction when she finally saw Claire's body in the snow, wasn't a look of vindication. During the movie Irene warned Claire about the risk of visiting Harlem and being around black people, she warned Claire of the harm that could come to her and even her daughter. Caring about Claire's safety(throughout the movie) is all the more reason why I don't believe Irene pushed her. When Irene asked Claire, "what would you do if your husband found out?" Well, sometimes we ask questions just to hear from the other individual something that we were already thinking and at the same time hoping for a different response. Considering this is fiction, it was a question to throw the viewers off, to create a link between Irene and how Claire's husband actually found out.

Also had that feeling Irene wanted to be with Clare more than just friends... and maybe Clare knew that and purposefully flirted with Brian to reignite Irene's feelings for him by making her jealous. That would make option 3 the most plausible and that Clare herself called John to the party to find out finally who she really was before ending her life... which is sad since she has a mixed child with a racist white man

Loved this analysis 👏🏾👌🏾

Very nice and concise analysis. Thank you. ❤

Your points are so well laid out, it makes the video fun to listen to. This was so helpful! Thank you so much!!

amazing film, and great video!!

Great video! So well articulated and detailed with amazing narration and perspective.

Sophisticated, excellent work. Thank you.

You are missing a lot about the conflicted relationships between the characters. They start out as foils of one another, but over-relate to and seem attracted to and fascinated by one another in ways that skirt sexual attraction--particularly given the clear lack of intimacy in their marriages. Initially, their sole commonality is the stringency with which they have ordered their lives to secure their places as upper-middle-class women: one in the white world, one in the Black world. When they engage with one another, however, they introduce a spontaneity that is girlish and somewhat reckless. Over time, Irene seems to understand the dangers of their behaviors but Clare does not (perhaps a social signifier of the fittingness of her adoption of whiteness). The manifestation of that dynamic is this: while Clare is comfortable converging upon and even entering Irene's world with few apparent limits, Irene cannot do the same. Irene perceives Clare as taking up space in her world and potentially even replacing her--and increasingly as Clare characterizes herself as a woman who will respect no limits to secure the desires of her heart! Within this context, a very ready interpretation is that Irene--whether purposely or subconsciously--pushes Clare to maintain space for herself in the life she has carefully curated for herself but foolishly invited Clare into.

Irene did it. Everyone liked and was attracted to Claire including Irene. Claire wanted and would do anything to have Irene’s life now. She said she was not moral like her during the stoop conversation. Irene saw the writing on the wall, their final question she posed to Claire on the stairs concerning what she would do upon John ‘s discovery nailed it.

this is peak content right here, keep up the good work dude

This was truly enlightening!

What about option 4--Irene pushed Claire out of jealousy and or fear that she would lose her husband to her, this WAS during a time when a woman who lost her husband pretty much lost everything. In this way Irene becomes like Claire in that she can do ANYTHING to get what she wants. I also felt Irene was attracted to Claire, and this realization was part of what made her hand shake and part of her jealousy.

Great commentary.

What a beautiful breakdown. Ty 💜

Lucas I love the way you broke down this movie. I definitely was trying to figure out what the ending was about. But you gave me much more!

I need to know where did they get the wardrobe, the clothes and the hats is sharp in this movie .

I enjoyed watching this explanation. Wow

Beautifully explained!

This was an excellent analysis. Thanks for your commentary. ❤

READ THE BOOK ... there’s so much that’s being missed

Irene was attracted to Claire, "something you feel in the presence of something strange, even perhaps a bit repugnant too, we are all passing for something or other "...I think she was talking about her feelings for her, this quote combined with the brief hand holding, small glimpses between each other at the beginning and Irene not being romantic with her husband makes me think that at least Irene if not both had feelings for each other, yet Irene decided to push Claire of the window because she was a threat for her family(her husband flirting with Claire, her kids loving Claire more and more). Claire said she would do anything for her happiness, she became closer and closer to Irene's husband and he was also clearly attracted to her. Irene became more and more depressed, lost and confused. Claire saying "I would move here to Harlem with you" was the last straw for Irene, because she knew that even if her husband found out she wasn't white, that would only give Claire the chance to finally be free and be herself, return back to her community and find a husband that would make her truly happy and Claire could easily take over her family if she really wanted, or at least confuse her and her feelings even more..so when the window scene happened and Claire's husband showed up it was the perfect opportunity for Irene's life to return back to "normal" again with Claire gone.

Thank you for your masterful insight💕