About the film (courtesy of Focus Features):
Follow one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence ( Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
Edward Berger does a masterful job bringing what many would consider a “less than invigorating” story topic to life in Conclave. Seriously, a two-hour film centered around the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope? “Ummm, no thank you,” was my first thought when reading the synopsis for this one. I didn’t even watch a trailer. Boy, was I wrong in my initial assumptions, and I’m not afraid to admit it. Instead, I found this to be one of the most interesting and compelling films of the year.
Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris’s 2016 novel of the same name, thrusts us into the hallowed halls of the Vatican following the sudden death of the Pope. Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) all seem poised to ascend to the papacy as the three frontrunners. However, there’s more drama than an afternoon soap opera that throws a wrench into the proceedings, leaving the cardinals grappling with their own beliefs and the future direction of the Church. Enter Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the Camerlengo (akin to an acting Pope) and a man tasked with overseeing the conclave. Lawrence, a man of deep faith and quiet integrity, finds himself caught between the machinations of the cardinals and the weight of his own conscience.
The acting is top-notch. Fiennes delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Lawrence, a man wrestling with doubt and uncertainty. The supporting cast, which includes Tucci, Lithgow, Msamati, and Isabella Rossellini, is equally strong, each actor bringing depth and complexity to their roles.
Berger masterfully crafts an atmosphere of tension and intrigue. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the grandeur and solemnity of the Vatican. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold gradually and drawing the viewer deeper into the conclave’s inner workings. And with all of the intensity throughout, you might be surprised to know that it’s rated PG. There was nothing sacrificed in terms of content to achieve this rating which speaks to the quality of the overall story. And anyone pretty much can enjoy it, even though I don’t believe younger audiences will find this entertaining as the rest of us.
Conclave is more than just a film about a papal election; it’s a gripping thriller that explores themes of faith, power, and the human condition. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. I highly recommend checking this one out.
You can see Conclave in theaters everywhere starting Friday, October 25th. If you have the opportunity, be sure to check this one out.
