Conclave (2024, PG)

Okay, let’s jump right in! I thought Conclave was an excellent movie, beautifully put together. Even though the story moves slowly and deliberately, it maintains a strong sense of tension throughout, and I really like its thoughtful exploration of these cardinals during one of the most highly anticipated moments of their lives. (I also updated my Wicked review to include its nominations.)

What’s It About?

When the Pope dies, it’s up to Cardinal Lawrence to oversee the conclave to elect the new Pope. As the likely hopefuls push their agendas and vie for influence, Lawrence begins to realize there are secrets buried at the heart of the conclave, and he wrestles with uncovering them amid threats of violence on the streets outside and the unexpected arrival of a heretofore unknown cardinal.

Who’s in It?

Ralph Fiennes heads the film with a lovely, restrained performance as Cardinal Lawrence, a man who feels the weight of his responsibility as he struggles with doubts and questions. Other cardinals (and potential new Popes!) are played by Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Lucian Msamati (who I saw first in the Doctor Who story “The Vampires of Venice,” but who I’ve since gotten to know much better through National Theatre Live performances.) I’m not as familiar with Sergio Castellito, but he also does excellent work, along with Carlos Diehz—who’s making his film debut here in the understated but pivotal as Benitez, the unexpected new cardinal. The film also features Isabella Rossellini as one of the nuns handling all the behind-the-scenes work at the conclave, and Brían F. O’Byrne has a small role as well.

What’s It Nominated For?

Conclave got eight nominations:

·        Best Picture

·        Best Leading Actor – Ralph Fiennes

·        Best Supporting Actress – Isabella Rossellini

·        Best Adapted Screenplay

·        Best Original Score

·        Best Editing

·        Best Production Design

·        Best Costume Design

What Do I Love About It?

·        Although the plot is fairly quiet and slow-moving, there’s so much tension in this movie! The actors do a great job of having these calm, polite exchanges that are just simmering underneath, and the score constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film also makes effective use of negative space, ramping up the tension with what’s not being said or shown onscreen.

·        All the design elements are really well done. The production design, the costumes, and the music all work together to build up this very specific world and the people in it.

·        The mystery/potential conspiracy is good, but what I really love about the movie is just the ins and outs of cardinals “campaigning” to be Pope. The different camps rallying behind the more conservative/traditionalist choices or the more liberal/reform-minded choices. Tallying who’s gained or lost support with each new vote. Rumors of private scandals, possible corruption, unexpected dark-horse candidates emerging. It’s so fascinating.

·        I love Cardinal Lawrence cautioning against “certainty” at the start of the process, saying that they should pray for a Pope who “doubts.” I really like that, the idea that a man who’s certain he knows everything will leave little space for God to move him, while a man with doubts will be more open to receiving guidance.

Warnings

Thematic elements, brief sexual references, allusions to violence (including terrorism and child sexual abuse,) and smoking.