REVIEW: The Biblical Epic Gets Groovy In ‘The Book of Clarence’

British multi-hyphenate Jeymes Samuel has made quite the filmic reputation for himself, seemingly committed to carving out a space for people typically omitted from cinema’s most tried-and-true genres. First, it was a rowdy, all-Black Western in The Harder They Fall. Now, Samuel returns with a Biblical epic full of the type of vigour, vibrance, and melanin the form has rarely if ever, seen. Yet, Samuel’s genre twist in The Book of Clarence has ambitions that go far beyond the surface level, employing his dynamic cast of characters to deconstruct the mythos of Jesus and his Apostles. All the while, the movie comments on the present in a biting, not-so-subtle manner. It results in an experience that not only puts a lively stamp on the storied genre but crafts an identity outside of it, despite pulling significant punches in its spirited discussion of knowledge and faith.

At its core, The Book of Clarence is about a nobody desperately trying to be somebody. The down-on-his-luck Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) just happens to be living in the vicinity of the Messiah in 33 A.D. Judea. Along with his best friend Elijah (RJ Cyler), Clarence engages in an assortment of cons, including selling his share of bad weed to make ends meet. He stands in stark contrast to his twin brother, Thomas (also Stanfield), who is one of the so-called disciples of Jesus, especially in his staunch atheism.

Strapped with crippling debt and less than understanding creditors, Clarence takes the only step he believes he can in this age of budding religion and mysticism: proclaim himself to be the new messiah sent by God, not only freeing himself of debt but beginning a life of unimaginable glory. In duping his fellow neighbours, Clarence gets a taste of the finer life. He is also forced to go toe-to-toe with the Messiah-hunting Romans and the son of God himself.

From its first frame to its last, The Book of Clarence is a visual feast. With its grand, sweeping cinematography it melds the likes of Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments with a funky, vivacious groove. Samuel and company render frenetic and delirious wipe transitions and iris edits with great impactful. Samuel and cinematographer Rob Hardy’s visual design is a kinetic synthesis of new and old that conjures something wholly original. The Book of Clarence is both an entry into the cinematic Biblical canon and something entirely its own. Each moment, either wildly funny or gravely tragic, is committed to its epically idiosyncratic vision—a vision its killer soundtrack single-handedly realizes.

The music, written by Samuel, features heavy hitters from Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and Kid Cudi. Each moment is laced with a hypnotic quality that allows viewers to easily get lost in its stylish current. Though The Book of Clarence is a sonic-forward experience, it never allows the story to become a series of music videos. Instead, each catchy track fulfills the same role as any grand orchestral score. Samuel’s ability to marry the musical elements of his vision with the needs of his story is what makes even the most bizarre moments impactful. Whether it be a literal lightbulb floating over Clarence’s head when inspiration strikes or a character levitating after a big hit of first-century marijuana.

Samuel is clearly unafraid to swing for the fences, and that consistently carries into his commentary. The Book of Clarence cleverly deconstructs the image of Christ the Western world has normalized, jabbing at our penchant for idolization rather than the words and ideas he preached. In capturing Christ as a Black man, Samuel powerfully taps into that idea, pushing us to move past his physical form and into the spirit of what he represents. He enables people of colour to see themselves in the image of Christ while also reinforcing how trivial his actual likeness is. It’s a sharp undercurrent that hilariously erupts in a late scene featuring a saintly Benedict Cumberbatch.

Samuel’s lens also takes on a more prescient filter when the noticeably pale Roman soldiers enter the fray. As the legions continue to terrorize the black communities of Judea, The Book of Clarence doubles as a remark on how police systems and authorities continue to view people of colour as undesirables. It’s not subtle but brings the seemingly dead Biblical epic into the 21^st century, imbuing it with a noticeable bite.

Where The Book of Clarence falters is in its discourse of secularism and divinity, with its all-too-conventional ending picking a clear religious direction. Some of the film’s greatest moments hinge on the philosophical battle between faith and knowledge, whether human existence should embrace the bleak facts or remain devoted to the elusive hand of God. Clarence, as part of his new sermon, proclaims “Knowledge is stronger than belief!” But the film is keen to counteract that sentiment with sequences that convey how powerful and humbling faith in the unknown can be. The Book of Clarence repeatedly gives both sides their due in some sly ways, making its clear-cut, straightforward conclusion all the more confusing. For a film vying to be a conversation starter, it fails to leave the dialogue open.

Yet, its vibrant and varied ensemble helps to dull this noticeable shortcoming. The likes of Omar Sy, Teyana Taylor, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, and Micheal Ward play an assortment of classic Biblical figures from Barabbas to Judas to Mary Magdalene, with the most playful of touches. But make no mistake, it’s Stanfield’s show. The subtle inflections he brings to both Clarence and Thomas are palpable and always arresting. He seamlessly takes us through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as if he’s one of the instruments in the film’s bombastic score. With The Book of Clarence, Stanfield proves himself to be one of the most interesting and multi-faceted actors working today.

Though Samuel’s film slightly fudges its take on religion, it can’t be accused of lacking style and energy. It’s a unique, sonorous take on the Biblical epic that not only leaves us with plenty to chew on but bouncing to a gorgeous beat while doing so.

 The Book of Clarence is available now on VOD.