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Clemency 2019

Warden Bernadine Williams grapples with the emotional and psychological burden of overseeing death row. Years of carrying out executions have taken a profound toll, blurring the lines between her professional duty and her personal morality. As she prepares for another execution, Bernadine must confront the devastating impact her work has on her conscience and her sense of self.

Warden Bernadine Williams grapples with the emotional and psychological burden of overseeing death row. Years of carrying out executions have taken a profound toll, blurring the lines between her professional duty and her personal morality. As she prepares for another execution, Bernadine must confront the devastating impact her work has on her conscience and her sense of self.

Does Clemency have end credit scenes?

No!

Clemency does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Clemency

Explore the complete cast of Clemency, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Clemency

See how Clemency is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Clemency stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

78

Clemency showcases a powerful central performance and a measured visual style, yet its deliberate pacing may pose a challenge for some viewers. Critics and audiences alike highlight the film’s unflinching exploration of capital punishment, noting the director’s restrained approach and use of silence to build emotional weight. While the slow-burning structure reinforces the gravity of each execution sequence, it occasionally undercuts narrative momentum. Ultimately, the film delivers a resonant character study that may feel demanding but remains impactful through its tonal consistency.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Clemency

83
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction excels in a show-don’t-tell approach, employing deliberate compositions and tight framing to convey tension. The cinematography is praised for its nuanced handling of skin tones and use of shadow to underscore emotional stakes. Editing and production design maintain a restrained aesthetic that reinforces the film’s somber atmosphere. Overall, these choices establish a cohesive visual identity aligned with the film’s gravity.

90
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

In terms of character and emotion, the film is anchored by Alfre Woodard’s deeply nuanced performance, which conveys complex inner turmoil with subtle expressions. Supporting portrayals deliver credible chemistry and depth, particularly in scenes between the warden and the condemned prisoner. The narrative allows for measured emotional resonance without overt exposition. As a result, the characters maintain a persistent authenticity that enhances the film’s dramatic impact.

68
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the film offers a layered examination of capital punishment, unfolding through quiet moments rather than conventional suspense. The pacing is deliberately measured, eliciting reflection but occasionally slowing narrative momentum. While the plot structure remains coherent, the minimal action and restrained development of certain backstories can reduce engagement for some viewers. Ultimately, the story prioritizes thematic exploration over brisk progression.

75
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film’s visual style is marked by a subdued color palette and carefully composed frames that heighten dramatic tension. Sound design and use of silence work in tandem with a sparse score to focus attention on actors’ vocal textures and ambient details. The restrained audio-visual approach emphasizes moment-to-moment emotional shifts. Overall, the sensory elements coalesce to reinforce the film’s intense atmosphere.

58
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s weighty subject matter and deliberate pacing create a challenging second viewing for some audiences. The intense emotional register and somber tone may deter casual replays, although the memorable central performance continues to resonate on reflection. Viewers who appreciate thematic depth may find subsequent viewings rewarding. Overall, the film’s lasting impact balances against its demanding nature.

Metacritic

77

Metascore

6.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

92%

TOMATOMETER

review

65%

User Score

IMDb

6.5 /10

IMDb Rating

Letterboxd

3.5

From 3 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.75/5

From 4 fan ratings

Awards & Nominations for Clemency

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Clemency, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Clemency and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


74th British Academy Film Awards 2021

Alfre Woodard
Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Alfre Woodard

35th Artios Awards 2020

Nomination

Low Budget – Comedy or Drama

35th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Feature

Alfre Woodard
Nomination

Best Female Lead

Alfre Woodard
Chinonye Chukwu
Nomination

Best Screenplay

Chinonye Chukwu

Cars Featured in Clemency

See 11 more

Explore all cars featured in Clemency, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Audi

2015

A3

BMW

3 Coupé E46

Chevrolet

2004

Colorado

Chevrolet

2015

Cruze

Ford

1999

Crown Victoria

Ford

2000

Focus

GMC

2000

Yukon

Honda

2013

Civic

Kia

2014

Soul

Nissan

2010

Versa

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


f ratedtitle directed by femaleprisonprison wardenfemale prison wardenblack americanafrican americanhusband wife relationshipprotestdemonstrationcapital punishmentdeath penaltydrinkdrunkennessfather son relationshipteachermother son relationshipletterprison visitlawyercrying manmicrophoneprison guardcrying womaninnocenceguiltmoral dilemmadeath rowreprievereference to a governorclemencybarwedding anniversaryretirementtelephone calltelephoneone word titlewritten by directorlethal injectionreference to snapchatreference to edgar allan poereading aloudtv newsno opening creditscriminal justicedeath row protestprison dramatriple f ratedtitle spoken by character

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