Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- irreverent
- exuberant
- biblical film night
- discussion night
What critics said
Critics broadly recognized the film's originality, ambitious biblical satire, stylized direction, bold soundtrack, and strong ensemble, while its mixed aggregate scores suggest that the tonal experiment was uneven for some viewers.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Clarence's rise unfolds alongside recognizable figures and events from the Jesus story while redirecting attention toward a fictional Black protagonist.
The film imagines first-century Jerusalem through a distinctly Black-centered social world and the creative vision of Jeymes Samuel.
Clarence seeks to imitate the power of the rising Messiah and construct a path toward divine status.
The film is identified as an epic Bible film, with stylized direction and a bold soundtrack emphasized in critical reception.
Films like The Book of Clarence, and why
The Harder They Fall
stylized historical satire, irreverent humor, and a Black-centered reworking of familiar genre mythology
A Knight's Tale
comic revisionism, contemporary music-inflected style, and an outsider pursuing status within a violent historical world
Life of Brian
provocative religious satire, ensemble comedy, and playful engagement with biblical subject matter
The Last Temptation of Christ
stylized epic filmmaking, spiritual themes, and a marginalized protagonist challenging established power
Movie Details
- Director
- Jeymes Samuel
- Release Date
- 2024-01-11
- Runtime
- 129 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (146)
Cast
- LaKeith Stanfield
- Omar Sy
- RJ Cyler
- David Oyelowo
- Alfre Woodard
- Teyana Taylor
- Caleb McLaughlin
- James McAvoy
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Anna Diop
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Hulu, fuboTV, YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Book of Clarence about?
- A hustling outsider in first-century Jerusalem imitates the rising Messiah, turning a desperate bid for status into a vibrant and irreverent spiritual adventure.
- What is The Book of Clarence like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Book of Clarence as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Book of Clarence violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Book of Clarence as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Book of Clarence?
- Critics broadly recognized the film's originality, ambitious biblical satire, stylized direction, bold soundtrack, and strong ensemble, while its mixed aggregate scores suggest that the tonal experiment was uneven for some viewers.
- Which films are like The Book of Clarence?
- Films with a similar feel include The Harder They Fall, A Knight's Tale, Life of Brian, and The Last Temptation of Christ.
- How long is The Book of Clarence?
- The Book of Clarence runs 129 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Book of Clarence?
- In United States, The Book of Clarence streams on Hulu, fuboTV, YouTube TV.
