Clerks III 2022

It’s been a lengthy 15 years since Dante and Randal became the unofficial managers of the Quick Stop convenience store. Their days have been filled with rooftop hockey matches and camaraderie with Jay and Silent Bob, who have transformed the former RST Video store into a thriving legal marijuana dispensary. However, for Dante, those years have been overshadowed by profound sorrow stemming from the tragic loss of Becky and their unborn daughter Grace, whose lives were cut short in a heartbreaking car accident.

The arrival of Elias and Blockchain Coltrane introduces chaos with their eye-catching NFT kites, featuring the unmistakable image of Buddy Christ. A twist of fate strikes when Randal experiences a critical heart attack, triggering an unexpected chain of events. Elias’s growing disenchantment with Christianity propels him toward a radical shift in identity, leading him down a path of Satanism. As Randal recovers post-surgery, his doctor emphasizes the need for self-care, warning him that Dante’s health is also at stake.

In this time of turmoil, the spirit of Becky visits Dante, gently guiding him toward acceptance and healing. A surprising turn of events leads Dante to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend Veronica, sparking the flames of nostalgia. Meanwhile, Randal becomes consumed with the idea of documenting their lives at the Quick Stop, declaring his intentions to write, direct, star in, and produce the film, which leaves Dante quite exasperated.

As they begin production on the tentatively titled Inconvenience, tensions mount. Randal’s controlling nature pushes Dante to the brink, especially once he realizes he’s been reduced to a mere minor character in the script. The situation escalates further when Randal controversially decides to recreate the infamous donkey show at Mooby’s, triggering a panic attack in Dante that ultimately leads him to storm off set. Later, fueled by whiskey and emotion, Dante confronts Randal regarding years of overlooked support and disrespect, culminating in a devastating moment of clarity where he realizes his own mortality – a reality underscored by him experiencing a severe heart attack.

After Randal abandons him at the hospital, Elias delivers a scathing critique, calling out Dante’s secret deal with Emma. Consumed by regret, Randal intensifies his efforts to finish the film, enlisting Jay and Silent Bob’s help to sneak back into the hospital. When he finally reveals the completed film to Dante, he has ingeniously rewritten the story to place his friend in the spotlight, asserting that the narrative was always centered around him. As Dante views the film accompanied by Becky’s otherworldly presence, he is moved by Randal’s commitment, leading to a peaceful passing.

After the emotional backdrop of Dante’s funeral, Emma makes her presence known at the Quick Stop, demanding repayment of the $30,000 debt owed to her. In a surprising twist, Blockchain bursts in to joyfully announce that the NFT kites have completely sold out, earning an astounding profit of one million dollars. As Blockchain, Jay, and Silent Bob prepare to fly one of the kites, Randal admits his deep yearning for Dante’s companionship, while unknowingly connecting with his friend’s lingering spirit.

In a touching epilogue, as the credits roll, director Kevin Smith offers heartfelt thanks to the audience before revealing a deleted narration intended for the final scene. This addition showcases that Randal continued making movies until the age of ninety, all while still working at the Quick Stop, illustrating his undying passion and dedication to his craft.