Edward Berger’s Conclave is a gripping political thriller set in the secretive world of the Vatican. Adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, the film follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) as he oversees the election of a new pope after the sudden death of the previous pontiff. As the College of Cardinals gathers, alliances form, secrets come to light, and the line between faith and ambition gets harder to see.
The story unfolds almost entirely inside the Vatican, yet Berger turns these quiet spaces into arenas of intense psychological drama. The conclave is shown as both a deeply spiritual journey and a brutal political battleground. Each cardinal brings their own beliefs and baggage, showing the larger struggles facing the Church.
Fiennes gives a powerful performance as Lawrence, a man struggling with his beliefs while trying to manage the backroom chaos. His portrayal captures the internal conflict of a leader torn between duty and conscience. The supporting cast, including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, adds depth and nuance to the story, embodying characters that are both flawed and relatable.
Visually, Conclave stands out. The cinematography uses static shots, the colors are soft and somber, and the whole thing feels like a quiet painting. It matches the story’s focus on tradition, and reminds you this is a place where history weighs heavily.
The movie digs into hard questions. What makes a good leader? How does someone hold onto a belief inside a system full of compromise? These aren’t just Church questions, they’re human ones. And the film treats them with real weight.
Some might find the pacing slow, especially early on. But that calm surface allows for a deeper exploration of character motivations and the intricate dynamics at play. As the votes go on and secrets slip out, the suspense keeps tightening. The final twist is both surprising and thought-provoking.
In the end, Conclave is a carefully made, smartly acted drama that shows the inner workings of a world few ever see. It’s about power, belief, and the quiet decisions that shape everything. Whether you’re into church politics or just love a good story told with care, this one sticks with you.
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