I watched Conclave and I liked it. 3.5/5
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There’s something inherently cinematic about a conclave. A secretive, centuries-old ritual shrouded in tradition, politics, and just the right amount of scandal—it’s basically the Catholic version of Succession, but with more robes and Latin. Conclave, directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Robert Harris’ novel, leans into this intrigue with a restrained but compelling thriller that’s equal parts locked-room mystery and political chess match.
Led by Ralph Fiennes in yet another “man of quiet authority wrestling with moral dilemmas” role (which he could probably do in his sleep at this point), Conclave follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence as he oversees the papal election following the sudden death of the previous pope. But this isn’t just a ceremonial affair—behind the Vatican walls, secrets are lurking, alliances are shifting, and votes are being bartered like baseball cards. And, of course, there’s a last-minute wildcard candidate that upends everything. Because what’s a good thriller without an unexpected twist?
A Power Struggle in Holy Robes
The real strength of Conclave is in its performances. Fiennes plays Lawrence with a weary gravitas, balancing his character’s faith with his growing realization that he’s knee-deep in political maneuvering disguised as religious devotion. Stanley Tucci, ever the scene-stealer, plays Cardinal Bellini with a mix of charm and strategic cunning, while John Lithgow adds an extra layer of gravitas to the proceedings as a Canadian moderate with skeletons in his closet. The supporting cast—Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini, and Lucian Msamati—each bring nuance to their roles, ensuring that even the more predictable elements of the story remain engaging.
What’s interesting is how Berger stages all of this. The film is talky, but not in a bad way. There are no car chases, no shootouts, no sudden Vatican betrayals involving assassins (this isn’t Angels & Demons, thankfully). Instead, the tension comes from hushed conversations in candlelit hallways, meaningful glances exchanged during voting rounds, and the slow unraveling of the political machinations behind each candidate’s campaign. The cinematography by James Friend enhances this, using tight framing and dim lighting to make the Vatican feel less like a grand place of worship and more like a high-stakes battleground.
A Script That (Mostly) Keeps the Intrigue Alive
Peter Straughan’s screenplay does a solid job of translating Harris’ novel into a gripping narrative, though it occasionally gets bogged down in exposition. There are moments when characters explain things that don’t really need explaining—like how a conclave works, which most people watching probably understand within the first ten minutes. But when the script focuses on its characters and their ideological battles, it shines.
The themes of Conclave are fascinating, especially in today’s world. The film subtly explores the Catholic Church’s internal divisions—modernization versus tradition, progressivism versus conservatism, secrecy versus transparency. These are real, ongoing debates, and the movie smartly lets them play out through character interactions rather than heavy-handed monologues.
That said, the final act is where things get a little… well, extra. The film’s big twist—without spoiling too much—involves a revelation that some will find bold and thought-provoking, while others may see it as a little too contrived for its own good. It’s the kind of ending that will either leave audiences debating its implications or rolling their eyes at the way it’s executed.
The Verdict
Conclave is a well-crafted, well-acted, and surprisingly entertaining political thriller that thrives on tension, character dynamics, and a sense of creeping unease. It’s not exactly riveting in the traditional sense—it’s methodical, dialogue-heavy, and devoid of the kind of flashiness that usually accompanies films about Vatican intrigue. But if you appreciate slow-burn storytelling and top-tier performances, there’s plenty to admire here.
The film’s biggest strength is in how seriously it takes its subject matter while still embracing the inherent drama of it all. It’s a film that respects the weight of the conclave process but also understands that, at the end of the day, it’s a power struggle like any other—just with fancier outfits.