The Book of Clarence (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
The Book of Clarence is a 2024 adventure drama directed by Jeymes Samuel, starring Nicholas Pinnock as Jesus, RJ Cyler and Alfre Woodard. It runs 2 hours 16 minutes and earned $6.2 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. Critics gave it 65% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 16m (136 min)
- Director
- Jeymes Samuel
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Legendary Entertainment
- Budget
- $40M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Book of Clarence About?
The premise of The Book of Clarence without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Facing hardship and seeking a better life for his family, Clarence embarks on a daring journey. Inspired by the stories of Jesus and his disciples, he sets out on his own path, risking everything to bring hope and healing to his community. This heartwarming story explores the power of faith, courage, and the potential for redemption found in unexpected places.
The Book of Clarence Cast & Characters
Nicholas Pinnock leads the cast as Jesus, with RJ Cyler as Elijah and Alfre Woodard as Virgin Mary. Directed by Jeymes Samuel; 20 actors are credited in all.
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Director Jeymes Samuel
- Nicholas Pinnock as Jesus
-
RJ Cyler as Elijah -
Alfre Woodard as Virgin Mary -
Benedict Cumberbatch as Benjamin
Also Starring in The Book of Clarence
· 16 more- Anna Diop Varinia
- David Oyelowo John the Baptist
- Micheal Ward Judas Iscariot
- Omar Sy Barabbas
- James McAvoy Pontius Pilate
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste Amina
- Chase Dillon Cabbage
- Lakeith Stanfield
- Chidi Ajufo Goliath
- Daniel Fraser
- Miguel Francisco
- Caleb Frederick
- Andrea Ali
- Memu Conteh
- Fejiro Emasiobi
- Francis Ezekiel
More from Jeymes Samuel
More films directed by Jeymes Samuel, best-rated first: The Harder They Fall and Legacy.
The Book of Clarence Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Book of Clarence 65% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in character & emotion (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (53).
The Book of Clarence Echo Score Breakdown
While The Book of Clarence offers moments of inventive style and committed performances, it struggles to unify its varied tones into a cohesive whole. Critics and viewers praised the film’s art design and LaKeith Stanfield’s nuanced portrayal, noting effective production values and bold directorial choices. However, many also cited uneven pacing, a rudimentary script, and erratic tonal shifts that undercut engagement. Ultimately, the film presents intriguing ideas and striking visuals but often feels disjointed in execution.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 59
In terms of art and craft, the film displays striking production design and bold visual choices but also uneven execution. Reviews highlight well-realized sets, cinematography inspired by biblical epics, and inventive color palettes. However, critics noted experimental editing that feels haphazard in places. The art direction is ambitious yet inconsistently realized.
- Character & Emotion 60
When it comes to character and emotion, performances receive consistent praise for depth and charisma but are sometimes hindered by shallow scripting. Reviewers commend LaKeith Stanfield’s nuanced central turn and supporting cast chemistry, noting engaging moments of sincerity. However, underdeveloped character arcs and reliance on familiar tropes dampen emotional resonance. The character work is lively yet uneven.
- Story & Flow 54
In terms of story and flow, the narrative concept is original and thought-provoking but suffers from uneven pacing and a rudimentary script. Critics point to creative gospel-inspired plotting and satirical potential, yet many note cluttered structure and tonal inconsistency between comedy and drama. Engagement fluctuates as scenes oscillate between compelling and forgettable. The story holds promise but lacks cohesion.
- Sensory Experience 58
When it comes to sensory experience, the film features an engaging soundtrack and atmospheric sound design alongside visually cohesive style. Reviewers praise the score’s integration and immersive environments, noting thematic color palettes and period-evoking backgrounds. Yet some critics find the balance between spectacle and narrative distracting, and sound cues occasionally underplay dramatic moments. Overall, the sensory elements are rich but uneven.
- Rewatch Factor 53
In terms of rewatch factor, the film offers striking visuals and bold thematic ideas that invite revisitation, yet erratic rhythm and uneven scripting limit its lasting appeal. Some viewers highlight compelling humor and inventive sequences, while others find the tonal shifts and structural inconsistencies deter repeated viewing. The film has intriguing moments deserving further exploration but struggles to sustain cohesive enjoyment.
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Rotten Tomatoes 65% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 80%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 57 Metascore
User score 6.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 58% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
34133 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Book of Clarence Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Book of Clarence from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The story unfolds through a series of interwoven vignettes, punctuated by titles reminiscent of the Ten Commandments: “The 13th Apostle”, “The New Messiah”, and “The Crucifixion.” Set against the backdrop of A.D. 33 Jerusalem, a desperate character named Clarence finds himself struggling to survive, his fate closely intertwined with that of his friend, Elijah.
Full summary
The whole story of The Book of Clarence, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Book of Clarence Box Office & Budget
The Book of Clarence grossed $6.2 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, 16% of what it cost. $6.1 million came from the US and Canada and $72,417 (1%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$6.2M
16% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $6.1M
- International
- $72.4K
- Budget
- $40M
The Book of Clarence Trailers & Videos
13 videos: 2 trailers, 3 teasers, 4 clips, 3 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Teaser One of One
- Teaser His name is Clarence 🙌
- Teaser TV Spot
How Well Do You Know The Book of Clarence?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What desperate situation is Clarence faced with?
The Book of Clarence Also Known As
19 alternative titles, including “סיפורו של קלרנס” and “Le livre de Clarence”.
- Also known as
-
- סיפורו של קלרנס
- Le livre de Clarence
- Księga Clarence'a
- El libro de Clarence
- Книга Кларенса
- 북 오브 클라렌스
- O Livro de Clarence
- La biblia de Clarence
- Klarenso knyga
- 克拉伦斯之书
- Clarencova cesta ke slávě
- 彌賽亞狂想
+7 more Show fewer
- Il Vangelo secondo Clarence
- הבשורה של קלרנס, კლარენსის წიგნი
- Csodák könyve
- Sahte Kitap
- เดอะบุ๊กออฟคลาเรนซ์
- Cartea lui Clarence
- Evanđelje po Clarenceu
Seen The Book of Clarence?
The Book of Clarence FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Book of Clarence, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Book of Clarence?
The Book of Clarence runs 2 hours 16 minutes (136 minutes).
When was The Book of Clarence released?
The Book of Clarence was released on January 12, 2024.
Who directed The Book of Clarence?
The Book of Clarence was directed by Jeymes Samuel.
More films by Jeymes Samuel Who is in the cast of The Book of Clarence?
The Book of Clarence stars Nicholas Pinnock as Jesus, RJ Cyler as Elijah and Alfre Woodard as Virgin Mary, among 20 credited actors.
How much did The Book of Clarence make at the box office?
The Book of Clarence grossed $6.2 million worldwide ($6.1 million domestic, $72,417 international) on a budget of $40 million.
How is The Book of Clarence rated?
The Book of Clarence has 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57 on Metacritic, 58% on TMDB and 3.1/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The Book of Clarence have a post-credit scene?
No. The Book of Clarence has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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