Joey Magidson
In a perfect world, elections would be purely about ideas, with the best candidate coming out on top. We all know that this is hardly the case, with all manner of backroom deals and compromises necessary to even get to that point. Conclave is about the election of a new Pope, sure, but it could just as easily be about a brokered convention during a Presidential primary. Regardless, this movie is an absolute banger. Playing at the Telluride Film Festival, it’s a thriller with a sly sense of humor, one capably of wildly entertaining an audience.
Conclave is a spectacularly enjoyable flick. Mainstream in its political thriller machinations, but also full of unexpected humor, as well as a hell of a final twist, it has a toe in the weird. That not only sets it apart but gives the film some added personality. Tremendous acting, impeccable filmmaking, and a sense of momentum that never lets up, it’s a full-on thrill ride.
The Pope has died. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) has been tapped to lead the selection of a replacement, something he takes on reluctantly yet seriously. As dean of the Conclave, he’ll see to it that things go off without a hitch. The candidates quickly distinguish themselves. Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) is a favorite and a hardliner, seeing the church as having gotten too relaxed. The liberal alternative is Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), with Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) and Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) seen as potential moderate options. Right as things begin, Lawrence is faced with two issues. One is the sudden arrival of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), who the Pope secretly promoted recently. The other is rumors of scandal.
As the votes are tabulated, it becomes clear that Tedesco will be hard to beat, putting pressure on a reluctant Bellini. At the same time, Lawrence is investigating rumors of scandal involving both Adeyemi and Tremblay. With the help of Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), Lawrence begins to take a firmer hand in the machinations of the Conclave. Despite his own crisis of faith, he’ll have to take a stand, especially when he realizes that the Church could be utterly rocked by his discoveries.
Ralph Fiennes leads an impeccable cast. This is one of his best roles and best performances, which is saying something. Fiennes wears the weight of his job in every frame he appears in, keeping his cool until moments when his frustrations boil through. Stanley Tucci is also excellent as a good man who doesn’t want to be Pope, but even more so doesn’t want to see a hardcore conservative get elected. John Lithgow expertly plays the consummate politician, while Isabella Rossellini steals one third act sequence. Supporting players, in addition to the aforementioned Sergio Castellitto, Carlos Diehz, and Lucian Msamati, include Jacek Koman, Merab Ninidze, Brían F. O’Byrne, and more.
Director Edward Berger and writer Peter Straughan weave a thoroughly compelling tale, with twists and turns that never feel cheap. Volker Bertelmann‘s score leans into the thriller elements, which Berger and Straughan never shy away from. They’re in complete control, which is why the humor works, as well as the twist. What should be a big ask ends up feeling like a perfectly wild denouement.
Conclave rocks. I loved it from start to finish, having an incredibly good time. Oscar will almost certainly take notice of this one, as it’s not going to just be a Telluride highlight. The film is awesome, so don’t miss it when it hits theaters this fall. This movie has got the goods.
SCORE: ★★★★
Must be very different from the book then.
No, not really.
Sooo… crapping on traditional Catholicism, then.
Actually, all sides of the religion are represented. Perhaps when you see the film you’ll understand more.