Conclave

Directed by: Edward Berger

Written by: Peter Straughan

After the death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself in charge of the conclave and its solemn duty of electing a new Pontiff. There are favourites for the role including Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Tremblay (John Lithgow), Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) and Tedesco(Sergio Castellitto). But plans are changed when a stranger arrives in the guise of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz). Lawrence must navigate the ritual, politics and process of the conclave, while trying to discover whether there is truth in the rumours surrounding some of the front runners. All in the hot house of a conclave isolated from the realities of the outside world.

Well who knew that the process for selecting a new Pope could be such a tense and thrilling experience! Well that is certainly the version that Berger gives us, as Conclave serves up an intriguing political thriller that happens to be based on selecting a Pope rather than a politician.

The film is a roller coaster as it twists its way through corruption, ethical dilemma, ambition and stretched friendships. It wor, in no small part, thanks to Fiennes’s excellent central performance as the reluctant leader of the conclave. His understated performance, is quiet and calm, with the stress of his role etched on his face. It’s not only Fiennes as all the main players are pitch perfect. As is Isabella Rossellini’s, Sister Agnes, who has seen it all before, watching, knowing exactly when her input is demanded.

The film great, from emotive close ups to moments capturing the humanity of its subjects, framed beautifully using the grandeur of its setting.

If there’s a criticism, it does run out of steam a little and perhaps goes one twist too far.

Conclave is a tense political thriller, set amongst the pomp and process of the selection of a Pope. Its strong cast are note perfect as it twists through intrigue and mystery. It looks great using its setting perfectly to frame the story. While it loses steam towards the end, it does not detract from a story well told.