The Book of Clarence is a 2023 biblical epic dramedy film from writer/director Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall (2021)). It released in theaters on January 12th, 2024, and features an ensemble cast that includes Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Anna Diop, Caleb McLaughlin, Omar Sy, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Oyelowo, James McAvoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Set in 33 AD, Clarence (Stanfield) is a young black man wishing to be seen as greater than he sees himself. After he and his best friend Elijah (Cyler) owe money to a ruthless gangster, Clarence first seeks a shot at salvation by joining the Apostles of Jesus Christ (Nicholas Pinnock) as the 13th Apostle. When that doesn't work, Clarence begins to pose as a new messiah, tricking people into believing he also possesses a divine gift. When his lie begins to have great consequences, Clarence must ultimately step up to show what kind of man he really is.
This film provides examples of:
- Bittersweet Ending: Clarence is crucified in front of all of his loved ones after he refuses to give up Jesus to the Romans. Days later, Jesus arrives at Clarence's tomb to resurrect him.
- The Cameo: David Oyelowo appears in a single scene as John the Baptist, who aggressively performs the deed with Clarence despite knowing he is a non-believer.
- Et Tu, Brute?: Varinia, Clarence's love interest, sells him out to her brother, Jedediah. While Jedediah ultimately doesn't harm Clarence, their confrontation leads to the Romans to find them and arrest Clarence for his messianic claims.
- Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling: Clarence is the underachieving sibling while his twin Thomas is a devoted Apostle to Jesus Christ.
- Precision F-Strike: By Barrabas after a Roman soldier goes to confirm he is dead after taking three spears to his body, but turns out to survive all three shots.Barrabas: Wrong heel, motherfucker!
- Trailers Always Lie: While the film has comedic moments and some intentional anachronisms, the trailers make it look zanier and faster paced than it really is. It also presents Clarence's scheme as the main focus, and omits the more dire reasons why he resorts to it.
