It's a comedy-drama set in Jerusalem in 33 C. E. It follows a small-time con man who likes weed named Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield). Clarence's twin brother, Thomas (also Stanfield), is one of the twelve disciples (Nicholas Pinnock), but Clarence is an atheist. The other disciples we meet are Peter (Jacobi Howard) and Judas Iscariot (Michael Ward).
The film is in three parts like a Biblical epic. Initially, Clarence is trying to pay off a debt to Jedediah the Terrible (Eric Kofi-Abrefa); Clarence is also in love with Jedediah's sister, Varinia (Anna Diop). However, Clarence and his best friend, Elijah (R. J. Cyler) lose a chariot race to Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor), and Jedediah threatens Clarence with death if he can't pay within 30 days.
This is followed by encounters with John the Baptist (David Oyelowo) and the rebel, Barabbas (Omar Sy). Clarence tries to become the 13th disciple and then tries to become another Messiah to raise money for his debt and to give his previously dormant social conscience the ability to free some gladiators. The story takes some unexpected turns for Clarence and his followers. Benedict Cumberbatch is a minor, but sharply incisive satirical role revealed near the end.
In some ways, "The Book of Clarence" is an alternative Gospel story. It's uneven because it's neither comedy or drama, but tries to do both. It would have worked better with more comedy and less drama. LaKeith Stanfield does a good job with a script that could have been tighter. The movie's message is a real one; it just doesn't come off.
The film is in three parts like a Biblical epic. Initially, Clarence is trying to pay off a debt to Jedediah the Terrible (Eric Kofi-Abrefa); Clarence is also in love with Jedediah's sister, Varinia (Anna Diop). However, Clarence and his best friend, Elijah (R. J. Cyler) lose a chariot race to Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor), and Jedediah threatens Clarence with death if he can't pay within 30 days.
This is followed by encounters with John the Baptist (David Oyelowo) and the rebel, Barabbas (Omar Sy). Clarence tries to become the 13th disciple and then tries to become another Messiah to raise money for his debt and to give his previously dormant social conscience the ability to free some gladiators. The story takes some unexpected turns for Clarence and his followers. Benedict Cumberbatch is a minor, but sharply incisive satirical role revealed near the end.
In some ways, "The Book of Clarence" is an alternative Gospel story. It's uneven because it's neither comedy or drama, but tries to do both. It would have worked better with more comedy and less drama. LaKeith Stanfield does a good job with a script that could have been tighter. The movie's message is a real one; it just doesn't come off.