Interview: ‘Conclave’ Director Edward Berger Discusses the Fun and Precision of His New Film

One of the best directed films of the year, by far, is Conclave. All of the precision that filmmaker Edward Berger brought to All Quiet on the Western Front a few years ago is on display in this very different movie. My review of that prior film is here, but this new one is just brilliant. So, when given a chance to talk about the flick with Berger, I jumped at the chance. Today, our recent conversation comes your way.

In my review of Conclave out of the Telluride Film Festival (here), I had the following to say about Berger’s directing:

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.

Below, you can see my chat with Berger. I really wanted to focus on how unexpectedly fun Conclave is, as well as how his precise filmmaking helps make it work, which Berger was more than happy to get into. He’s clearly tickled by how much of a good time I found the movie to be. There’s some really interesting bits about editing as well, so there’s something for everyone here. If you haven’t seen Conclave yet, it’s one of my favorite films of the year, so make it your business to check it out ASAP. It’s terrific!

Here now is my interview with Conclave director Edward Berger. Enjoy:

Conclave is in theaters now!