When tackling a subject as steeped in tradition and mystique as the papal conclave, one might anticipate a measured, even sombre, cinematic experience. However, director Edward Berger takes this ritual, cloaked in secrecy for centuries, and transforms it into a compelling and deeply human drama. With its impeccable cast, gripping storytelling, and a visual approach that captures both grandeur and intimacy, Conclave offers an enthralling look behind the Vatican’s closed doors.
The story begins with the sudden death of the Pope, plunging the Catholic Church into its age-old process of selecting his successor. Ralph Fiennes commands the screen as Thomas Cardinal Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. As the reluctant overseer of the election, Lawrence is thrust into a whirlwind of intrigue, factional politics, and personal revelations. Fiennes imbues Lawrence with quiet dignity, internal conflict, and a steadfast commitment to ethical leadership—a stark contrast to the machinations of other characters.
Berger wastes no time in setting the stakes, with the arrival of Vincent Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), an enigmatic figure whose secret appointment as Archbishop of Kabul by the late Pope raises eyebrows. This subplot adds a layer of tension, mirroring the broader themes of trust, identity, and hidden truths that permeate the film. The narrative masterfully introduces the four main candidates for the papacy, including John Lithgow’s calculating Cardinal Tremblay and Stanley Tucci’s principled yet conflicted Cardinal Bellini. These performances provide the story with depth and emotional complexity, making each interaction feel significant.
The film’s setting—the Vatican—plays as much a role as the cast, with French cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine capturing its grandeur and mystery through a meticulous lens. Fontaine’s use of tight zooms emphasises the physical and emotional strain of the cardinals, from the frown lines etched on their faces to the trembling hands clutching prayer books. These moments make the political maneuvering feel intensely personal. Equally striking are the details of the Vatican’s inner workings: the ceremonial cutlery, the Pope’s austere bedroom, and the hallways where whispered alliances form. Berger invites the audience to peer behind the veil, indulging a voyeuristic curiosity while grounding the drama in tangible, relatable moments.
What sets Conclave apart is its delicate balance of reverence and critique. Berger doesn’t shy away from exploring the irony of men devoted to humility embroiled in lobbying and electioneering, yet he treats the subject matter with respect, never veering into cynicism. The film reveals the Church’s human side, reminding viewers that its leaders, despite their robes and rituals, are as fallible as those they shepherd.
The final act delivers a twist that will leave audiences stunned—a revelation that challenges perceptions of faith, leadership, and the natural order. While details are best left unspoiled, the climax cements Conclave as both a thrilling mystery and a profound character study. Gasps are inevitable, and the conclusion leaves a lingering sense of hope that the new Pope might truly embody the change the Church needs.
Conclave is a triumph, thanks to Berger’s assured direction, Fontaine’s evocative cinematography, and a cast that brings unparalleled gravitas to the screen. It is not merely a film about the papacy but a poignant exploration of human frailty, morality, and the delicate balance of tradition and progress. Whether or not you follow the Church, Conclave will captivate you with its blend of intrigue and insight.
Rating: ★★★★½
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