Conclave (2024)
I saw Conclave at a recent film festival in my home city, and it is such a riveting thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish that I plan to see it again as soon as I can (it has its wide release in Australia on January 9). Set in the heart of Vatican City, the story follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) as he oversees the selection of a new pope after the sudden death of the previous pontiff. What starts as a solemn ritual quickly turns into a high-stakes game of secrets, ambition, and unexpected twists.
Fiennes is absolutely brilliant as the conflicted Cardinal Lawrence. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, perfectly capturing the internal struggle of a man torn between duty and personal conviction. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from John Lithgow as the ambitious moderate Cardinal Tremblay and Sergio Castellitto as the ultra-conservative Cardinal Tedesco.
Director Edward Berger has crafted a visually stunning film that immerses you in the opulent world of the Vatican. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of St. Peter’s Square and intimate close-ups that reveal the humanity behind the ornate robes and rituals. One particularly striking scene features a sea of white umbrellas bobbing in unison, a powerful metaphor for the uniformity and secrecy of the Church.
The screenplay, adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, is tight and well-paced. It manages to explain the intricacies of papal selection without getting bogged down in exposition. The dialogue crackles with tension, especially during the heated debates between cardinals. You can practically feel the weight of centuries of tradition bearing down on these men as they grapple with the future of the Church.
Volker Bertelmann’s score is a character in itself, adding layers of suspense and gravitas to every scene. It’s particularly effective during the voting sequences, ramping up the tension as each ballot is counted.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its exploration of the conflict between tradition and progress within the Catholic Church. It doesn’t shy away from tackling controversial topics like sexual abuse scandals and the role of women in the Church. These themes give Conclave a relevance that extends far beyond its Vatican setting.
The production design is impeccable, recreating the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel and the claustrophobic quarters where the cardinals are sequestered. The attention to detail in the costumes and set dressing is remarkable, transporting you to a world few have ever seen.
If I had to nitpick, there are moments when the pacing slows a bit in the middle, and some viewers might find the theological discussions a tad dense. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional film.
Conclave masterfully builds tension through character and dialogue, instead of relying on action. It’s a thinking person’s thriller. And you’ll sit there stunned after the last scene. Don’t let anyone spoil it for you.
Whether you’re a devout Catholic or a complete atheist, this movie offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s most secretive institutions. Conclave is a must-see. It’s intelligent, beautifully crafted, and features some of the best performances you’ll see this year. Don’t miss it!