%20Logo%20Black%20over%20White.png)
Kelaru & Fulton rating: ★★★★
Runtime: 2hrs
The last time I saw Ralph Fiennes, he was playing a tyrannical chef in The Menu, running an ultra-exclusive restaurant where the patrons were as disconnected from reality as they were wealthy. Even in that role, he was fantastic.
And he’s just as captivating here. In Conclave, Fiennes steps into a fitting role as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with supervising the sacred and highly regimented process of electing a new pope—a position that leads 1.6 billion Catholics worldwide.
Through Cardinal Lawrence, we step behind the sealed doors of the Vatican to witness the power plays among the 120 cardinals vying for the papacy. The film dives into the fascinating process of the conclave itself: the cardinals are cut off entirely from the outside world, secluded to ensure they are free from distractions or external influence. They debate, deliberate, and ultimately cast their votes in secret, with any cardinal eligible for election. To become pope, one must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes.
While the film highlights the intrigue of this centuries-old tradition, its focus centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who presides over the conclave. But Lawrence is more than just a referee; he’s also eligible for election himself. This dual role adds tension as Lawrence navigates not only the rules of the process but also the swirling allegations surrounding one of the leading candidates. Rumours emerge that this cardinal was dismissed by the previous pope on the night of his death, spurring a subtle “murder mystery” element as Lawrence seeks the truth to prevent the wrong man from ascending to power.
The cardinals, for all their piety, are far from perfect. Even the seemingly ideal candidate, Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), proves to have weaknesses that cast doubt on his suitability for the role. Meanwhile, Cardinal Lawrence wrestles with his own internal conflict. Just days before the pope’s death, he sought to resign, a request the pope denied. Though a respected figure who initially has no desire for the papacy, Lawrence begins to waver as votes are cast in his name. As he uncovers more about the frontrunner’s stained reputation, the temptation to step into the role himself becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
Directed by Edward Berger, of All Quiet on the Western Front fame, Conclave is a visual and auditory treat. Berger masterfully frames the camera, playing with the stark contrast of the cardinals’ red and white robes, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s hushed discussions and political machinations.
However, the portrayal of the cardinals felt somewhat exaggerated. The film leans heavily into depicting them as rich, powerful, and hypocritical schemers. In reality, the conclave is intended to be a collaborative process, with cardinals discussing candidates’ merits and accomplishments to reach a mutual decision on who is best suited for the lifelong position of pope.
Despite this misstep, Conclave is a gripping film anchored by Ralph Fiennes’ Oscar-worthy performance. It’s a fascinating look behind the Vatican’s closed doors, blending intrigue, power struggles, and moral dilemmas into one of the best films of the year.