The Book of Clarence Plot Summary
The Book of Clarence is a comedic retelling of the crucifixion of Jesus but focuses on a thief and non-believer, Clarence. Helmed by Jeymes Samuel, it stars LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, RJ Cyler, Anna Diop and David Oyelowo.
The Book of Clarence begins with Clarence and his friend, Elijah owing Jedediah the Terrible some money. With no way to pay him back, Clarence decides to act like Jesus, a fake messiah according to him, to make money for Jedediah. On the way, Clarence begins to doubt his purpose in life when the people start believing that he is a real messiah.
Why does Jedediah side with Clarence?
Clarence plans the whole scheme of being a false prophet so that he can pay back Jedediah who threatens to kill him. In fact, during the party, Jedediah follows his sister who is with Clarence and corners him and his gang. A showdown is about to take place when the Romans show up as they have a warrant for Clarence for being a messiah.Â
But on seeing how the Romans demean Black people and hide behind their shields to cowardly attack Clarence’s friend, Barabbas, Jedidah changes his mind. While he doesn’t care for Clarence, he doesn’t want him to be tortured and crucified by the same Romans. Unfortunately, the Romans hold his sister, Varinia hostage and he stands down.
What happens during Clarence’s trial?
With the help of Judas, the Romans arrest Clarence for being a messiah. Governor Pontius Pilate (a cheeky little cameo from James McAvoy) oversees his trial where Clarence comes clean about everything – that he is a drug dealer and thief who scammed the locals and stole their money by playing tricks and pretending to be a messiah to pay back Jedediah.
While the crowd does not believe him, Pontius points out a flaw in his statement. Ironically, Clarence has just confessed to fraud and selling narcotics. Pontius gives him a double-edged out – Clarence needs to walk on water. If he cannot, it means he is not a messiah but he will drown as he cannot swim. If he does walk on water, Pontius will join his faith. The governor conveniently doesn’t mention that he has orders to crucify any and all messiahs.
Clarence is ready to drown but by a miracle, he starts walking on water. Everyone is shocked while Pontius reveals he would have saved Clarence had he drowned. But since he just proved that he is a messiah, he will be crucified.
Why is the real Jesus not caught?
Jesus crosses paths with a White beggar (another hilarious cameo from Benedict Cumberbatch) who asks for money. Jesus gives him the ability to make coins with his hand and his red shawl. Now rich, the beggar goes about flaunting his money and even gets a makeover.
The women who have never seen the real Jesus think he looks like him because he looks clean, pure and White. Everyone starts giving him attention and he loves it. In response, he starts handing out coins to everyone. The Roman guards spot him and think he is another false messiah.
He is arrested and crucified along with Clarence. While Clarence talks about forgiveness, the beggar is furious and hopes God strikes everyone down as man has always been cruel. He is also annoyed that a painter is painting him. But since he looks the part, the Romans think he is the main false messiah. But it is never told if they give up their search for Jesus or if they think the beggar is Jesus.
Who rises from the dead on Easter Sunday?
Jesus waits at home for the guards to arrest him. However, the Romans who have never seen Jesus crucify the beggar in his place instead. Alive, Jesus decides to visit Clarence’s grave. He breaks it open and raises Clarence from the dead. Jesus shares that Clarence went from being a man of no faith to being selfless and believing in him and so he will live. A tearful Clarence also sees that the injuries from the nails have been healed.