The Book of Clarence, directed by Jeymes Samuel, is a coming-of-age story including biblical references. Clarence (Lakieth Stanfield) has an internal struggle between knowledge and faith regarding religion and The Messiah. Filled with modern-day themes such as race, oppression, and faith, The Book of Clarence blends genres of comedy, adventure, and drama as we follow Clarence on what he believes is his path to greatness, bestowing his truths and lies on the people. 

The 13th Apostle 

This biblical adventure is split into three chapters: ‘Book I – The 13th Apostle,’ ‘Book II – The New Messiah,’ and ‘Book III – The Crucifixion.’ The film opens with an establishing shot of Clarence beaten and bruised, in a field of crosses, foreshadowing what is to come for the audience. As we follow a flashback that takes place in Lower City, Jerusalem, 33 A.D., Clarence is accompanied by his best friend Elijiah (RJ Cyler) in a chariot race against Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor) through gypsy territory. Sabotaged by the gypsies, Clarence and Elijah lose the race and horses, which were needed for the debt owed to Jedediah The Terrible (Eric Kofi Abrefa). While discussing their next move, the two witnesses, the twelve apostles, and Jesus (Nicholas Pinnock) stroll through dirt roads, receiving praise and admiration from the people of Jerusalem. Believing that what they represent is a gimmick for protection and glory, Clarence gets the idea to become the 13th apostle, establishing the plot for this film. This would lead to Clarence using his knowledge to prey on the faith of believers, committing to his role as the fraudulent new messiah. 

On Clarence’s path to fame and glory, the audience is introduced to the true antagonists in ‘Book III: The Crucifixion,’ including the traitor, Judas (Michael Ward), and the Roman Empire (led by James McAvoy, Tom Glynn-Arvey, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor). Their goal is to seize all whom they believe to be false prophets and the Messiah, raising the stakes for Clarence and his followers. The protagonist is forced to lean on faith to overcome these obstacles, being that the use of his knowledge is the cause of his predicament. This would alter his mindset, converting him into a true believer in the Lord above, but ultimately, too late, carrying the audience back to the establishing shot of the film. 

Built on Belief

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, whose first film, The Harder They Fall  (2021), returns with a new perspective on biblical history. Samuel’s ambitious blend of genres for this biblical story does hold up till its 3rd act, losing its comedic edge, but consistent use of visual effects and biblical fonts, like the showing of books through the film, summarizes the phases of Clarence’s life and keeps the audience engaged. Lakieth Stanfield, who shows his versatility as an actor, is displayed in this film as he portrays both the main protagonist and his twin brother, Thomas, one of the twelve apostles. These characters have two distinct personalities: Clarence, driven by ambition and hustle, which is shown throughout the film as he sells the “ungodly herb” to the people of Jerusalem, and Thomas, who walks by faith and belief in Jesus and the god above. This leaves both at odds with each other until the final arc of the film. The Book of Clarence’s cast consists of well-known actresses like Alfre Woodard, who plays the Virgin Mary, whom the viewers meet for a brief moment as she is visited by Clarence, seeking knowledge behind what he believes are tricks committed by her son, Jesus. Also, Marianne Jean-Baptiste plays the mother of the protagonist Amina; through the film, she is initially his driving force.