MOVIE REVIEW: CONCLAVE

 

Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with one of the world's most secretive and ancient events -- participating in the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.

Director: Edward Berger

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini

Release Date: October 25, 2024

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Rated PG for thematic material and smoking.

Runtime: 2hrs 

Review:

Conclave is a fascinating blend of striking visuals paired with the pulpy, political machinations in selecting a new pope led by a wonderfully layered turn from Ralph Fiennes.  Edward Berger's film is wonderfully shot, taking full advantage of Catholic Church's ornate iconography to great effect serving as a stark contrast to the power struggles on display.  It sets up the overall themes at play throughout as we follow the contrasting ideologues battle for the papal crown.  It creates a vaguely claustrophobic feel to the proceeds that puts the collection of characters in small rooms or narrow hallways more often than not which ramps up the tension.  Ralph Fiennes leads the whole thing with a multilayered incredibly subtle turn that puts his immense talent on display.  Fiennes' conveys his character rotating sense of duty, self doubt and faith with incredible ease as he tries to lead the Conclave.  It’s one of his best performances simply due to the fact that he does so much with small nuanced moves, looks or inflections to exemplify his character’s inner turmoil and drive.  His supporting cast is made up equally impressive albeit more showy turns from a collection of veteran performers such as Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto. These characters are written more broadly and representative of their contrasting ideologies with each actor turning in strong work in their limited screentime.  Isabella Rossellini has a small but important supporting role which is pivotal to the story as a series of revelations unfurl with each refocusing the spotlight on a different player.  Once the dominos start to fall it leads Conclave to a finale that leaves an open question about the concepts of belief and faith. 

 

A-