Cert - 15, Run-time - 2 hours 9 minutes, Director - Jeymes Samuel

With debts piling up Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) poses himself as the messiah, however, this comes with many consequences.

Before The Book Of Clarence's LFF premier various festival notes referred to Life Of Brian. Luckily, instead of just being used as a hopeful selling point for a biblically-set comedy the comparisons make sense. Yet, while Brian is desperate to not be the Messiah, LaKeith Stanfield's Clarence - the twin brother of the disciple Thomas (also Stanfield) - is trying to seem like just that, and in the process becomes a very naughty boy.

With 30 days to pay off heavy debt, Clarence decides to pose himself as the messiah, with help from friend Elijah (RJ Cyler), to rake in the cash. Clarence could so easily be a loud comedic character and yet Stanfield reins him in with the help of writer-director Jeymes Samuel - the pair previously worked together on 2021's The Harder They Fall, in which Stanfield stood out amongst the ensemble cast.

Like with his debut feature, Samuel brings a modern sensibility to a traditional genre. The familiar elements are very much still present but his fresh and original style brings a music video vibe to many scenes, alongside his score, whilst still allowing for things to feel like a coherent feature. One that, as a comedy, manages to stretch over 2-hours without feeling overstuffed or too long whilst still getting in both laughs and the more dramatic points, particularly in the, although slightly busy, third act which highlights Clarence's regret and fear after his subtle growth in confidence.

Samuel once again brings together a very starry ensemble cast (including the likes of David Oyelowo - a very funny highlight as John The Baptist - Alfre Woodard, Omar Sy, Micheal Ward, James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch), all of whom capture the film's punchy energy in both comedy and drama. Creating an up-to-date biblical take filled with drive and energy. 

It's the kind of style which has me believe that Samuel is going to be an influential, perhaps cult, filmmaker in years to come. The Book Of Clarence certainly seems destined to be fondly looked upon down the line. While the narrative may prove somewhat winding at times, there's a consistently entertaining nature to the proceedings and a good deal to get into in the later-stage drama.  One of the most effective scenes focuses on the biggest consequences faced by Clarence as he's punished in front of onlookers, a physical toll effectively put across. It's well led by the increasing drama throughout the run-time, shown in Stanfield's understated performance of a man who begins to care more and more over time as he realises what's around him and finds himself in greater trouble.

There's still humour in the surrounding scenes, and consistently in the build-up. It's all part of the punchy mixture which makes The Book Of Clarence an entertaining and effective piece of work. A modern take on the biblical epic with a good deal of effect from its tones and themes.

Jamie Skinner, Four stars