CONCLAVE

An old-fashioned Vatican-set potboiler with an exquisite cast, Conclave giddily twists and turns for two highly entertaining hours, but alas the final, climactic twist lacks a knock-out punch.

If ‘They don’t make movies like they used to’ is an often heard gripe, Conclave puts that argument soundly to bed. This is a film very much in the vein of the classic Hollywood prestige picture, with a cast heavy on big names, a narrative that niftily blends plot, character and theme, and production values of the very highest standards.

Based on the Robert Harris novel, Conclave opens with the death of a pope, ends with the appointment of a new one, and features a whole lot of political intrigue in between, as cardinals jostle for position in the Sistene Chapel, and Dean Thomas Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) uncovers hidden secrets behind their ambitions.

From its first moments Conclave delivers on the promise of a twisty, political tale within the Vatican walls. Though the only on-screen death is that of the pontiff, suspense and danger run through the film as a craftily assembled web of intrigues. Edward Berger’s classical but highly effective direction keeps you engrossed for two hour that fly by, with special kudos to Volker Bertelmann’s thrilling score as well.

Further bolstering the movie’s appeal is a cast on top form. Among the supporting players Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow excel, as cardinals with vastly different points of view, while Isabella Rossellini lights up the screen in a small, underplayed but pivotal role. But primus inter pares is Fiennes, who delicately balances the many nuances to his fascinating, conflicted character.

In how high a regard you’ll ultimately hold Conclave will depend on how well the final sting in the tale sits with you. While it fits snugly within the themes the movie touches upon – foremost the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in the church – for me this ultimate twist was too contrived, which puts a slight asterisk behind the picture’s many merits.  

release: 2024

director: Edward Berger

starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini