So, this is probably how people felt when Martin Scorsese’s film The Last Temptation of Christ came out.

I knew little of the film before I went to see the early screening of The Book of Clarence during AMC’s latest Screen Unseen showing. There were always the trailers that conveyed a biblical theme to it, which in hindsight, was probably not the best way to market the film. Filmgoers either dipped out as soon as the film started and they realized what the film was or during various points of the film. I might be in the minority when I say this, but I love controversial films. The film medium is meant to evoke conversation. I can understand if that may not be for everyone. What you can get with this bold vision is a retelling of history based on present day events.

Written & directed by Jeymes Samuel, the film follows Clarence, played by LaKeith Stanfield, in A.D. 33 as he tries to pull himself from his bad luck as the next Messiah. The trailers convey a more conventional film about someone finding their faith. What you really get with the film is something of a complex character who surrounds himself with people & events that are similar today with a mix of a retelling of Jesus Christ. When you market the film as that, that’s surely not going to settle with everyone. Growing up as a Catholic, I think my review on this would have been surely different. Now that my faith is a bit different, I am older, and I have seen things from so many different perspectives, I can understand this so much better and appreciate it more. As themes can often be blurry throughout the film, I would encourage viewers to stick around for the end as it finds a way to evoke its message best.

Underrated in his own right, I am so glad to see actor LaKeith Stanfield take on such a role as this, or should I say “roles” as he also plays Clarence’s twin brother & apostle, Thomas. It’s very clear there is a clear distinction between the two: Clarence & Thomas are the antithesis of one another. Clarence relies on doing shady stuff due to his bad luck, while Thomas has it somewhat easy as one of the apostles and doesn’t have to deal with as much stuff as his brother. There’s also the fact that Clarence does have a good heart as he stuck around to take care of his mother versus Thomas who left to pursue his religion. This leads the viewers to follow a very flawed character who not everyone will be on board with; however, Clarence’s journey from down on his luck to a Messiah fraud and finally finding redemption is something that can relate to many viewers, even those outside of that particular faith, who can relate to. At the end of the day, the film is going to challenge viewers, but reward them in the end with an important message.

How the film is presented is a modern retelling of the past. As it is split into three acts, the three acts have their own energy to it. The first act really shows Clarence as someone who is flawed, yet he is trying to do better by become an apostle, an attempt that leads him to be shut out and forced into faking his way by claiming he is next Messiah. The first two acts really pack a punch between the action & humor. There’s some really unique stuff that I was surprised to see with the material and just how it was told visually. The third act leads to Clarence having to deal with the consequences of his actions, which really shows a true retelling of the past. Once again, without spoilers, I was surprised to what I saw. For a PG-13 rating, I was surprised as to what they accomplish, but glad that they did to reach more viewers with the film. By the end, what ends up happening to Clarence shows that everyone is deserving a second chance and can play an important part in a story through their own hardships.

The last thing I want to bring up before I summarize my thoughts is the fact that it looks & feels very modern instead of playing it safe. The film finds a way to integrate its cinematography & production design that looks seamless. Even when Clarence & Thomas in scenes together, you’d never know that LaKeith Stanfield was a twin. There’s also how the music is placed. It’s certainly not of its time, but placing it there allows viewers to connect with it even more. The actors also play an integral part that doesn’t overplay their screentime that gives LaKeith Stanfield the spotlight he deserves.

Overall, The Book of Clarence is a controversial film that is sure to ruffle some feathers, but if you can look past it, there is some important themes and a bold vision that feels so rare these days. LaKeith Stanfield is at his best in the film and shows why he’s one of the best actors working today. I truly cannot wait to see what director Jeymes Samuel does next.

VERDICT: Great