Coming off of the success of 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front, director Edward Berger returns to cinema with the adaptation of a 2016 novel. Conclave finds us alongside Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) following the sudden death of the Pope. The Cardinal is now tasked with organizing and leading the process of selecting of a new pope. Cardinals from around the globe convene in the halls of the Vatican to vote on a successor while Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a series of deep secrets and manipulations between leading contenders for the Papacy Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.
While set in the heart of Vatican City amidst a meeting of the most lauded Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, Conclave is stylistically a gripping political thriller the likes of which audiences haven’t been treated to in theaters for quite some time. Cardinal Lawrence is just as much an investigator tasked with uncovering the shadowy ulterior motives of his peers as he is a man of the cloth. The mystery of the late Pope’s last wishes and thoughts regarding certain high-ranking Cardinals, the true intentions of those who are vying for the Papacy, the meaning behind developments surrounding contenders for succession, and the machinations of everyone involved are cleverly written and steadily unveiled within the plot in a way that pulls viewers in, creating investment that commands their interest throughout every minute of the film’s runtime. It’s textbook execution of a tale of the struggle for power amongst those who desire it and those who are weary of anyone that does, expertly building suspense around each vote for the next Pope which serves as a sort of update on the progress of Cardinal Lawrence’s investigations and judgement surrounding the actions of the other contenders.
Many people may argue that politics and religion are inextricably linked, making the framing of a story regarding a papal conclave as a political thriller more than apt. Conclave itself displays an awareness of the blurred lines between piety and self-interest in its plotline as the two main warring factions of the church quibble over the socioreligious direction of the church moreso than the core function of the church as a force for change in the hearts and minds of its adherents. Even those Cardinals who wish to see the Church continue its path toward modernization and inclusion and away from its past conservatism have come to view their fight as their main purpose rather than saving soles. As this struggle for control of the direction of the Church rages on, the character of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) stands in as the conscious of the Church and takes on a pivotal role despite his quick and seemingly inconsequential initial introduction to the story.
Cardinal Benitez represents the unsullied, idealist whose secret confinement in Kabul has allowed him to retain the soul and purpose of the Church without succumbing to worldly pressures. Cardinal Benitez serves as the embodiment of what service to Christ has historically been meant to be, juxtaposed with the political entanglements of what the Church has become. The contrast his character represents adds thematic depth, but also an additional enthralling story element that makes Conclave such an arresting watch that creates full emotional investment in the audience. Isabella Rossellini’s Sister Agnes provides a supporting that while small, also serves as a sort of conscious bulwark against the warring Cardinals and their straying of their interests from the core function of the Church and the Christian religion itself. Rossellini makes the most of her character’s small screen time, assisting Cardinal Lawrence at pivotal moments in uncovering manipulation and setting the record straight. Sister Agnes’ presence provides its own commentary on the historical role of nuns in the Church; quiet and institutionally overlooked, but key players in keeping the Church organized and dedicated to its mission.
Conclave is one of the most suspenseful political thrillers to hit multiplexes in years. Always engaging, watching the film’s characters navigate the Game of Thrones like environment as they vie for power and the truth is one of the most engrossing experiences of the year. The cast, led by Ralph Fiennes, is just as good as the film’s script with each contributing no matter how small their roles. Stanley Tucci’s resolute Cardinal Bellini shines as a determined defender of the church expanding its modern embrace of liberalism and John Lithgow’s conniving Cardinal Tremblay toes the line between untrustworthy and believable to great effect to keep the audience guessing. It’s one of the best films of the year and one you’ll be sure to hear much about leading into awards season.
Image: Focus Features
