The Book of Clarence (2023)

Rating 15
Length 2h09
Release 11.10.2023 (BFI London Film Festival)
Director Jemmies Samuel
About A down-on-his-luck man struggles to find a better life for his family while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, ultimately discovering that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch:
Trailer:

The Good

It’s difficult not to compare this to Monty Python’s The Life of Brian, and it exactly what made the Python’s film (and Kevin Smith’s Dogma) great that allows this to succeed too.
It’s an incredible, clever, film that can be read on many levels. While we follow someone attempting to emulate Jesus, much in a similar way to LoB, there’s so many elements of Biblical truth to be seen within its run time.
For example, the discussion of Mary’s ‘virginity’ and a particularly funny dialogue about etymology: *chef’s kiss*.

You will know this from the trailer alone, Jesus is finally not the blue-eyed white guy of Hollywood. That’s not to say that this film doesn’t acknowledge, or attempt to explain, how Jesus looked like prequel Obi Wan.

Clarence’s character arc from blasphemer to believer is stunning and comparable to the conversion of Saul. It’s also the source of much of the humour. None of which is possible without LaKeith Stanfield. It takes a certain talent to successfully act in dramatic roles, and comedic roles, Stanfield is not only able to do both; he’s does both in the one film.

James MacAvoy: His presence is short, but memorable. Oh he absolutely relishes every moment of being a villain.

The Bad

I wish the very beautiful Babs Olusanmokun had a few more scenes than he did. It would have been nice to have seen him use his physical/fighting experience within the scenes he did appear in.

The Ugly

I actually cannot believe I’m saying this, but Benedict Cumberbatch was incorrectly cast. To me at least. While I explained earlier, it is hard not to compare this film to the Python’s silver screened outing, Clarence is not Brian.
Unfortunately, I got the impression Cumberbatch was playing the role as if he was in the 1979 cult classic.
Yes, he got some of my favourite lines, love the character and the inclusion of him in the story as a whole. However, I disliked his delivery. Too hammy and too broad. The biggest shame? He could have knocked this out of the park.

Final Thoughts

Not only is it modern, beautiful and moving, it about bloody time. It also felt sincere in its message of faith. Something that occasionally be lost with the comedic tone.