The Passing is a Welsh-language independent film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015. Directed by Gareth Bryn and starring Dyfan Dwyfor, Annes Elwy, and Mark Lewis Jones, the film is a haunting drama set in a remote Welsh village. At the heart of the story is twin brothers Geraint and Ifan, played by Dwyfor in a pair of powerful performances. Geraint is a successful businessman who has left his rural roots behind, while Ifan stays in the village to run the family farm. When Geraint returns home after several years away, their reunion is fraught with tension, as the two men have grown apart in their different lives.
But The Passing is not just a family drama. As the film unfolds, strange and eerie occurrences begin to plague the village. People go missing or turn up dead, and rumors start to circulate of a malevolent force lurking in the surrounding woods. When Ifan goes missing, Geraint is pulled into the mystery, and the two brothers must confront the darkness that has descended upon their home.
The Passing is a slow-burning film, building tension through moody, atmospheric scenes and haunting visual imagery. Bryn's direction is masterful, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The cinematography, by Richard Stoddard, is stunning, capturing both the beauty and isolation of the Welsh countryside.
The film is also notable for its use of the Welsh language. While much of the dialogue is spoken in English, the Welsh language and culture are an integral part of the story. The film's title, "Yr Ymadawiad," is a Welsh word that means "The Departure," but has deeper connotations of loss, separation, and death.
The performances of the three lead actors are all excellent. Dwyfor is particularly impressive as the complex and conflicted Geraint, conveying both his arrogance and vulnerability. Elwy is also excellent as Ifan's young girlfriend, a character who becomes increasingly entangled in the village's dark secrets. And Mark Lewis Jones, in a smaller role as a local police officer, brings a gravitas and intensity to his scenes.
The Passing is not a film for everyone. Its slow pace and bleak tone may be too much for some viewers, and the supernatural elements are never fully explained. But for those willing to embrace its eerie atmosphere and compelling performances, it is a powerful and haunting work of art. It is a film that leaves a lasting impression, and is a testament to the talent of Bryn, Dwyfor, Elwy, and the entire creative team.
The Passing is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.
