Synopsis
Immediately following the Pope’s death, “Conclave” takes us inside the secretive process within the Vatican as they search for a worthy successor. Led by Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, the film explores his efforts to secure a prosperous future for the Church while simultaneously uncovering dark and disturbing secrets that could shatter the Church’s conventional foundations.
What I Liked
- The feeling of being “inside the Vatican” during one of the most momentous periods in its history is well-achieved. I felt like I was witnessing something important. Discovering an exclusive world filled with secrets, political aspirations, and faith makes “Conclave” an interesting experience.
- The performances are strong. Ralph Fiennes as Lawrence makes us feel the tremendous weight and responsibility on his shoulders. And, of course, the performances of the already established Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini do not disappoint.
- The cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine is impressive, delivering memorable cinematic images. There’s a constant interplay between light and darkness, the vast spaces of the courtyards and the claustrophobic interiors, which become a canvas that connects with the suspense and tension.
What Could Be Better
- The film starts as a mystery thriller but then evolves more into a theme of power, intrigue, and politics, which made me lose interest in the story.
- There is no character development. Despite the good performances, the characters – perhaps like the Church – do not evolve.
- The film’s ending is crude and ungraceful. I feel that a “surprising and transcendental” event was forced over concluding in a satisfactory and more reasonable way.
My Insight
The premise of “Conclave” is interesting and captivating: learning from the inside about the process after the death of a Pope, especially if the reason for their death is not entirely clear. The politics, intrigue, secrets, and significance of the decisions provide great intensity to the film.
Unfortunately, as the minutes pass, the questions open up, new variables are presented, more ambitions and new conflicts arise in a group of characters who, despite being very well played by a very good quality cast, end up losing focus and becoming a mixture of secrets, mysteries, and ambitions that, although they ground the human and imperfect side of the church, also lose the intensity and the search to decipher a mystery that apparently, was not necessary to discover. Rather, it’s a path that provides reasons to eliminate some successors, turning the film into a kind of Ecclesiastical Reality Show without further transcendence.
Rating ⭐7/10
An interesting premise, good performances, and a fabulous setting manage to shine through over a simple and erratic script.
Extras
Films that address the role of the Church.
- In the Name of the Rose: 1986, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud
- The Exorcist: 1973, directed by William Friedkin
- Spotlight: 2015, directed by Tom McCarthy
- First Reformed: 2017, directed by Paul Schrader
- The Da Vinci Code: 2006, directed by Ron Howard
For Discussion
The Catholic Church has not been as relevant in modern history for many years; however, immersing in the rigorous, strict, and hermetic ecclesiastical environment is an interesting exercise where it is logical to question the life choice made by its most committed participants.
What prompts a person in modern times to dedicate their life to religion? Regardless of faith and dogma, the most admirable and terrible nuances of the human being are present in everyone.
Technical Details
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Director: Edward Berger
Screenwriter: Peter Straughan (based on the novel by Robert Harris)
Cinematography: Stéphane Fontaine, A.F.C
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Runtime: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Distributor: Focus Features
Where to Watch: Cinemas, if any. Soon on Streaming services.
