Conclave
★ ★ ★ ½
The pope has died at the beginning of Conclave, and the task of leading the process to find his replacement falls to Cardinal Dean Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes). This ancient and highly secretive proceeding is known as “conclave” in which the Roman Catholic College of Cardinals gather in seclusion to elect a new pope.
Lawrence works diligently to ensure the proceedings go exactly as they should, though the walls of the Vatican seem wrought with deep secrets and scandal that ensure the selection process won’t go smoothly.
Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci
© 2024 Focus Features
There are four main candidates for pope: Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who believes in a more liberal agenda in line with the late pope; Tremblay (John Lithgow) who is much more conservative in his views; Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) who is fairly conservative in his social views; and Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) who would see the Church abandon its coexistence amongst other religions.
Tremblay was the last cardinal to visit with the pope prior to his death. Lawrence is suspicious about Trembaly and questions him about his last conversation with the Holy Father. Meanwhile, Archbishop Benitez (Carlos Diehz), whom none of the cardinals in attendance have ever heard of, arrives at the proceedings. The pope had secretly appointed him as a cardinal and assigned him to Kabul, Afghanistan.
Ralph Fiennes and Brían F. O’Byrne
© 2024 Focus Features
This is a political drama set in the walls of the Vatican where we see cardinals as real people. Within these walls, the cardinals show their humanity. Though they are highly regarded religious leaders, they have their own ambitions, doubts, fears, flaws and crises of faith.
This is a very well paced film. Its tension relies upon the dialogue between the characters to keep us captivated. The screenplay is expertly adapted from Robert Harris’ bestselling novel, and it weaves through the dramatic quest to elect the late pope’s replacement in a way that keeps us intrigued and engaged.
John Lighgow as Cardinal Tremblay
© 2024 Focus Features
The acting by Fiennes, Tucci and Lithgow brings the film to life – same with the supporting cast. The film is already receiving early Oscar buzz.
The cinematography is beautiful, making stunning use of the incredible scenery the Vatican offers.
Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes
© 2024 Focus Features
There will likely be some lively discussion about the end of the film. Your opinion of the plot twist will be greatly affected by your own world view. Movies like this, for better or worse, are designed to provoke discussion and conversation.
Conclave, in addition to excellent filmmaking, is certain to be successful in its provocation.
Running Time: 2h 0m
Directed by: Edward Berger
Written by: Peter Straughan
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tuccu, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, Brían F. O’Byrne, Carlos Diehz, Merab Ninidze, Isabella Rossellini
Mystery & Thriller, Drama
