'The Book of Clarence' Brings Audacious Twist to Biblical Epic

Despite Mixed Reviews, Jeymes Samuel's Film Praised for Unique Style and Contemporary Commentary

'The Book of Clarence,' a Biblical-era tale by rising auteur Jeymes Samuel, features a star-studded cast including LaKeith Stanfield, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfre Woodard and David Oyelowo.
The film tells the story of Clarence, a street hustler in 33 AD Jerusalem, who decides to pretend to be a messiah to pay off his debts.
Despite its audacious approach and superb acting, the film has been criticized for lacking cohesion and consistency, with unclear messages and a muddled tone.
Jeymes Samuel's unique style is praised, combining elements of traditional Biblical epics with modern twists, and a soundtrack featuring Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and Kid Cudi.
The film also comments on contemporary issues, such as police brutality against people of color, through its depiction of Roman soldiers in Judea.