Conclave comes to us from Edward Berger, the director who brought us All Quiet on the Western Front, and is based on the 2016 bestselling novel from Robert Harris of the same name. The gripping thriller from Focus Features details the events that take place after the Pope has died unexpectedly and voting for a successor is urgent.
The film opens up with us joining Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) on a brisk walk as he sets out to pay his final respects, immediately setting the tone within the first five minutes. Things kick into gear rather quickly as cardinals travel from all over to come together as they are now tasked with voting for a new pontiff. Tensions arise as Lawrence discovers some new details about what may have taken place during the Pope’s final hours. Suspicions also arise as unfriendly truths about several cardinals come to the light, sparking Lawrence’s will to get to the bottom of the issue at hand.
With a voting process that can be seen as rather repetitive and drawn out, Berger leans on beautiful cinematography and a captivating score to keep the audience invested to the very end. From vibrant pops of the red robes against the gold accents to the aerial shots of a sea of blank white umbrellas, the visuals perfectly compliment the many aspects of what make Conclave a stunning piece of artistic work. It can confidently be said that Oscar nods for Best Cinematography and Best Score are in the near future. In that same conversation, the ensemble cast that also includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini delivered some of the best performances of their careers.
Fiennes’ was an absolute standout as his ability to express emotions in such a subtle and strong manner proves why he is a master of his craft. One might even venture to argue this is his best role, which is saying a lot considering his filmography includes The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Constant Gardener, and Schindler’s List (fingers crossed this lands him his first Oscar). While he didn’t receive as much screen time as some of his counterparts, Tucci’s presence is felt and his acting chops are as sharp as ever. He demands your attention in every scene he is in, making you wish they did a little more with his character. Lithgow is often known as a funny man but he has his fair share of more serious roles and this one is no exception. In a storyline where the term villain doesn’t exactly apply, Tremblay (Lithgow) conveys a form of that as he raises eyebrows for his questionable actions.
Conclave had its premiere back in August at the 51st Telluride Film Festival and was met with much praise, with a heavy focus on Fiennes. The film tackles many topics from LGBTQ to the idea of a Black man becoming pope, making it clear the film is seen through the eyes of what’s acceptable today. In the spirit of not disclosing spoilers, the reveal at the conclusion is a huge surprise that many will be caught off guard by (guests audibly gasped in my screening). In a world of plot twists, this one takes the cake as it’s unlike any we’ve seen before and probably should have been kept in the drafts. It was a curveball that didn’t quite make sense, as you’re left with more questions than answers as you exit the theater. It simply didn’t contribute to the story in any way other than the shock value it placed on viewers in the third act.
Typically, films that center church and religion are often considered an acquired taste, but that isn’t the case with Conclave. It doesn’t ask you to come in with prior knowledge of any process, but rather you come to understand what is taking place through the characters’ dialogue. You are pulled in from the start of the film and become quickly absorbed in the traditions and ceremonies that are unfolding. It’s a powerful story of one man’s refusal to give up before uncovering what he is devoting himself to. He has reason to believe the church isn’t at the moral height that he holds it to, and he is slowly losing faith. His relentless drive to find the truth sways the vote through each session, keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering how long this will go on before a common decision is reached.
Through levels of suspense that build as the movie goes on coupled with the tension, Berger has birthed a project worthy of all the acclamation it is soon to receive. Few titles this year have created Oscar buzz before releasing to the masses, but Conclave has won over film critics across the board. While it isn’t one that will make the average moviegoer run to the theater opening weekend, it’s compelling story is definitely worth a watch and will be the talk of the town come award season.
Conclave is in theaters October 25, 2024.