Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events - selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.
The Garden Cinema View:
This cinematic offering serves up the dependable acting talents of Fiennes, Tucci, Rossellini, and Lithgow. Additionally, the muscular direction of Edward Berger, and tension ratcheting score from All Quiet on the Western Front composer Volker Bertelmann, help this tale of Vatican intrigue (adapted from a pulpy Robert Harris thriller) resonate with a multitude of recent high stakes elections around the globe. This is as slick as filmmaking gets in the year of our lord 2024, with twists and betrayals rattling along on well-oiled rails. Whether the political allegories, or the attempts at a transcendent ending, elevate Conclave is an ecumenical matter. Maybe, however, being a very satisfying thriller is ultimately the holiest of outcomes.
