Streetwise but struggling, Clarence is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. A film by Jeymes Samuel, starring LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, James McAvoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Lower City, Jerusalem, AD 33. Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) and his buddy Elijah (RJ Cyler) are in a chariot race against Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor) through Gypsy Territory, where Gypsies ambush them with darts. Clarence takes a hit, falls off his chariot, and loses the race and the horses to Mary.

After the race, Clarence and Elijah witness the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth (Nicholas Pinnock) and the 12 apostles, who are loved and respected by the Jerusalem citizens. Clarence’s twin brother, Thomas, is one of the apostles. Clarence himself, however, doesn’t believe in God. Thomas sees Clarence as a failure, a nobody with no honor.

Clarence and Elijah visit Jedediah the Terrible (Eric Kofi Abrefa), a local loan shark who lent Clarence money, horse, and chariot, that he had lost them all in a race. Jedediah reminds Clarence that he has 30 days to return everything to him or he will be killed.

Desperate to avoid death, Clarence comes up with a plan to get baptized by John the Baptist (David Oyelowo), hoping Jedediah would spare him as a newfound believer. Additionally, he is also in love with Varinia, Jedediah’s sister.

After his baptism, Clarence visits Varinia (Anna Diop), claiming newfound faith. His true motive, however, is to enlist her help in persuading Jedediah about his supposed conversion. Varinia, frustrated by his deceptive path, warns him that Jedediah won’t be fooled. Despite harboring feelings for Clarence, she denies them, insisting she’s no match for his troublesome ways.

While high (literally floating!) with Elijah and Zebedee (Khali Best) at the Nargilah Bar, Clarence hatches a brilliant plan to escape his predicament. He must become the 13th apostle of Jesus. His audacious request, however, is met with laughter from the apostles.

Judas Iscariot (Micheal Ward), ever the pragmatist, suggests a path to redemption: prove his selflessness by freeing slave gladiators from Asher the Torturer. Only then, Judas hints, might Clarence earn a shot at becoming the 13th apostle.

Clarence and Elijah arrive at Asher’s arena, falsely claiming Jesus of Nazareth sent them to demand the release of his slave gladiators. Amused by their audacity, Asher (Babs Olusanmokun) proposes freedom for all slaves if they pummel Clarence and Elijah to death with bare hands. But in a sudden turn, Asher changes his mind, asserting that it wouldn’t be fair. Instead, Asher gives Clarence a chance to fight with his best gladiator Barabbas the Immortal, promising that if Clarence beat Barabbas, he will release Barabbas to Clarence.

Clarence, employing unorthodox streetfighting tactics and his signature trickery, defeats Barabbas (Omar Sy) and secures his freedom from Asher. Returning to the apostles, triumphant, Barabbas in tow, he anticipates their approval. However, a heated exchange with his brother Thomas sparks a revelation: knowledge holds more power than blind faith. Clarence discards his ambition for the 13th apostle and, driven by this newfound conviction, embarks on a journey to become the new Messiah.

Written and directed by British filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of CLARENCE follows a streetwise but struggling man. Desperate to care for his mother and prove himself worthy of his love interest, Clarence embarks on a misguided quest to become the new Messiah. The cast delivers stellar performances, with charming LaKeith Stanfield captivating as both Clarence and his twin brother, the apostle Thomas. James McAvoy also hilariously shines as Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea best known for overseeing the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

I really like how the filmmaker explored the idea of apostle Thomas, also known as Didymus meaning “twin” in both Greek and Aramaic, and put his own unique spin on it. Since the New Testament leaves his twin’s identity ambiguous, it opens up opportunities for intriguing speculation and creative interpretations. Imagine, for instance, if Thomas actually had a twin in the biblical narrative – what fresh perspectives could it offer without altering the timeline itself?

While the film boasts a charismatic cast and moments of genuine humor, it ultimately struggles with pacing, tonal inconsistency, and a climax that fails to live up to its ambitious setup. Clocking in at over two hours, “The Book of CLARENCE” feels burdened by its runtime. The jokes often clash with the seriousness of the religious themes, leaving viewers unsure whether to laugh or contemplate. This tonal confusion weakens the emotional impact of both comedic and dramatic moments. If you’re looking for a fresh take on biblical stories, “The Book of CLARENCE” might offer some amusement, but be prepared for a long and uneven journey with an unsatisfying destination.

The Book of CLARENCE premiered at BFI London Film Festival on 11 October 2023. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 12 January 2024.