Conclave is a surprisingly riveting film. It drags around midway, needing trim to tighten the story and tension. Still, it delivers an engrossing religious thriller complete with intrigue and suspense.
Conclave is an intriguing, dramatic, and timely film with much in common with the current presidential election. In some ways, the film speaks of where the U.S. is and where it can go with some courage. There are comedic parts, and seeing the traditional steps adds a fascinating peek behind the curtain. Still, where Conclave shines is with the intrigue and cast. Conclave manages to stay gripping and, at times, unintentionally funny while leaving audiences guessing who will become the new pope.
Directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan and Robert Harris, the film begins after the pope’s passing. Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes (The Menu, No Time to Die), must lead the shuttered and secretive task of bringing the cardinals in to appoint a new pope. However, beneath the holy facade, there are deep-rooted secrets among the pope potentials that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.
Lawrence’s ally in this mission is Cardinal Bellini, played by Stanley Tucci (The King’s Man, The Devil Wears Prada), who is not keen on the papacy despite Lawrence’s support. The film’s drama inspires unforeseen humor, but the pat responses to transgressions can sometimes feel like a letdown.
Conclave Is a Gossiping Knitter’s Circle
As cardinals fly in from all over to begin the voting process, there is a distinct parallel between these “holy men” and gossip circles. Some moments bring to mind the women’s circle in anime, which gathers to talk about their neighbors. Lawrence organizes the conclave but also takes on the role of investigator as he learns information about the cardinals who threw their hat in the ring for the pope position.
It also feels like a blatant group of homogenous clicks based on their countries and ideologies. Homophobia, xenophobia, and racism rear their head, raising the pertinent question of why people believe that God speaks through people mired in hate. For all its display of tradition, Conclave shows its characters’ fallibility.
Unintentional Humor and Standard Excuses for Harm
Some scenes leave audiences struggling not to laugh. Even near the beginning, when the pope’s body is strapped to a gurney and clangs in transit, it inspires laughs because of the prolonged shot. Another is when Sister Agnes, played by Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, La Chimera), makes her announcement and departs the cafeteria. Her foot stomp maneuver is too funny, akin to a mic drop.
However, none of these moments feel intentional. Instead, they are an offshoot of the tension from the audience, who, like Lawrence, try to piece together the secrets rising to the surface. Among those moments is also the arrival of Cardinal Benitez, portrayed by Carlos Diehz, who is a walking “I don’t know who this man is” meme, adding more surprising laughter.
Where Conclave falters at moments is the by-the-numbers excuses people make for committing harm. It’s the basic “no one is perfect” retort that strips accountability. An example is Adeyemi, performed by Lucian Msamati (See How They Run, The Score). He claims to be a different man from the one who erred decades ago. However, his response when confronted with his victim says otherwise.
Mistakes as a child are one thing, but refusing to acknowledge harm as an adult is another. Conclave allows this wiggle room in a typical fashion that resists delving further into what it means to atone. But it also has prescient moments such as the “lesser evil” talk—one we see debated on social media regarding the presidential election.
Engrossing Performances Across the Board
The entire cast makes the movie believable. Some moments drag, and there’s confusion about the big secret reveal at the end and what clues led to that. However, everyone pulls viewers into the story. No issue exists with any cast member being so memorable in a previous role that one cannot picture them as their character. Their acting is that magnetic.
So, watching Conclave feels like a genuine peek at members of the Catholic Church. Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci are amazing. Lucian Msamati crafts a character that feels horrid yet human. Carlos Diehz is a silent force that grabs attention the moment he speaks. John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, Cabrini) as Tremblay also feels skulky but sympathetic.
Conclave is a surprisingly riveting film. It drags around midway, needing trim to tighten the story and tension. Still, it delivers an engrossing religious thriller complete with intrigue and suspense. Thanks to the unfolding mysteries, audiences will want to revisit the film to review what they missed. With solid performances from its cast, Conclave opens up a gripping story for religious and non-religious audiences.
