Review: Conclave
What Happens Behind These Walls Will Change Everything.
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Conclave. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.
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THE PLOT
Via Letterboxd: Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new 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.
QUICK REVIEW
Although I’m not Catholic, as a man of faith, I’m familiar with the constant tug-of-war between belief and doubt, traditional orthodoxy and modern sensitivities, and the complexities of intertwining religion with politics. Few events test these tensions as powerfully as the election of a new Pope. Enter Conclave, Edward Berger's latest directorial project, adapted from the best-selling novel, and following his success with All Quiet on the Western Front.
Conclave begins with the aspiration of a pure, impartial election overseen by God’s will to appoint the right leader. But this vision soon crumbles as political factions emerge, secrets surface, and the so-called impartial overseers intervene directly. What begins as a sacred event rapidly devolves into the intrigue and maneuvering typical of a political convention’s backroom.
At the heart of the story is Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, who evolves from what the departed holy father deemed a “manager” into a man who breaks into rooms, searching for hidden truths about each candidate. Supporting Fiennes is an impressive cast, including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, Sergio Castellitto, Brian F. O’Byrne, and Merab Ninidze.
What the film nails brilliantly is the intensity of each ballot round. You feel every shift in odds, every scandalous revelation, leaning forward with anticipation as votes are counted. The story’s twists had me deeply invested in the fate of these cardinals - even rooting for certain outcomes!
The entire movie is tense and captivating, keeping you guessing right up to the dramatic reveal. The final twist may leave some rolling their eyes, while others will admire its audacity.
Conclave tackles faith, the entanglement of religion and politics, progress versus regression, ambition, morality, and the sins and secrets of men who claim to speak for God. The more I reflect on it, the more I admire it. It’s the first film this year that stands alongside Dune: Part Two as my favorite if the year. I can’t wait to experience it all over again. Conclave earns my rare A+ rating.
INITIAL GRADING
