The process by which a new pope is chosen is somehow both known and mysterious. The actual steps have been somewhat documented, but there is something about an internal election for a religious position that will always be enigmatic. What makes one want to become pope? How does someone decide who would best fit that role? Conclave dramatizes such an event in a story that deals with faith in an effectively suspenseful way. The cardinal in charge of running the conclave is riddled with doubt for himself, side by side with a belief in others. That sends him on a surprising investigation, making him wonder if his belief is misplaced.
It is a very insulated drama, taking place almost entirely in the space in which these people are being sequestered. It is so specific in its world, while still exploring social issues. This is not a political movie, though these men are human, so it makes sense that their motivations are just as universal (and selfish) as the rest of ours, even in an election for a holy position. It is not a thriller in the traditional sense, despite twists and conspiracies. The suspense comes from the fear that the wrong man will be selected to be the head of the Catholic Church, even if it is for the right reasons. Conclave (114 minutes, without the end credits) is quite fascinating and a fine production.
The big conflicts here are in ideology. That really does make this feel like any other election. These are men with passionate feelings about where to take an entire religion. That leads to anger, suspicion and fiery debates concerning right and wrong. It seems that even men vying for the holiest of titles have a hard time entertaining the opinions of rivals. This competition is not handled with grace; there is plotting, backstabbing and surprise revelations. There are humorous moments coming out of the juxtaposition between their purpose and the familiar discourse. However, this isn’t mocking anyone. It is merely showing their humanity, as well as how high the stakes are for them.
Based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, Conclave starts with the death of the pope and follows Cardinal Lawrence as he attempts to wade through deceit and ensure that the conclave is conducted fairly and respectfully. Ralph Fiennes is great as the conflicted Lawrence. He has his pick (Stanley Tucci’s liberal Bellini) and the man he doesn’t want to win (Sergio Castellitto’s reactionary Tedesco), but believes in the papacy and the late pope too much to play any games. Every turn intrigues and disgusts him. As he learns more, he becomes increasingly convinced that honor for the papacy is what matters most.
As he investigates shadowy conversations and alarming allegations in an effort to uncover the truth, he does so regardless of who the truth may help. Fiennes plays Lawrence as both tortured by the responsibility and privileged by it. He is a truly good man whose only certainty (a word he does not care for) is that he is not the man for the job.
Director Edward Berger keeps things moving, rushing nothing. There is tension, yet he never forces this into a thriller mold. While nobody is in danger, what is being decided will have consequences. The style is not flashy at all, feeling more like a British movie from the 70s. The cast is uniformly good and the story is compelling. Don’t be put off by the subject matter. This is skillful entertainment.
3¾ out of 5
Cast:
Ralph Fiennes as Lawrence
Stanley Tucci as Bellini
John Lithgow as Tremblay
Sergio Castellitto as Tedesco
Lucian Msamati as Adeyemi
Carlos Diehz as Benitez
Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes
Directed by Edward Berger
Screenplay by Peter Straughan
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