Conclave - Review

Summary

Dan Merl reviews *Conclave*, a drama directed by Edward Berger about the intense and secretive process of selecting a new pope. Ray Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with leading the conclave while struggling with his faith. The film delves into the power struggles among cardinals, with strong performances from Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. While the movie avoids excessive violence or language, it’s a compelling character-driven thriller, set against a beautifully recreated Vatican backdrop. Despite a surprising twist towards the end, the film’s performances and thoughtful direction make it a standout, with potential for awards recognition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The movie 'Conclave' is directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan, featuring a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.
• 😀 The film is centered around the process of electing a new pope after the death of the current pope, a highly secretive and dramatic event.
• 😀 Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, a Vatican official tasked with leading the conclave, who faces both internal and external pressures while trying to balance faith and ambition.
• 😀 The movie features a group of cardinals with differing views: reformist, traditionalist, and those with more personal ambitions, creating intense political drama.
• 😀 The film's pacing and style are categorized as a 'people talking in a room' thriller, relying on intense dialogue and suspenseful interactions rather than action.
• 😀 'Conclave' aims for an adult audience and distinguishes itself by focusing on mature themes without relying on excessive sex, violence, or language.
• 😀 The film's cinematography is praised for its authenticity, capturing the beauty of the Vatican and the contrasting simplicity of everyday settings.
• 😀 Cardinal Lawrence's character is portrayed as a man of quiet, troubled intensity, similar to Killian Murphy's performance in 'Oppenheimer'.
• 😀 Stanley Tucci's performance as Cardinal Balini, a reformer pushing for modernization within the church, is singled out as potentially award-worthy.
• 😀 The film explores the theme that the papacy should not be about perfection but about a mortal person striving to overcome flaws, emphasizing human imperfection.
• 😀 'Conclave' includes a twist in the final act that catches audiences by surprise, though it may divide opinions and alter the perception of the film's resolution.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the movie 'Conclave'?

The central theme of 'Conclave' is the intense, secretive process of selecting a new pope within the Vatican. It explores the political maneuvering and internal conflicts of cardinals as they compete for the papacy, while also addressing themes of faith, morality, and human imperfection.

Who is the protagonist of 'Conclave' and what role does he play?

The protagonist of 'Conclave' is Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ray Fiennes. He is tasked with leading the conclave, overseeing the election of the new pope, and dealing with personal struggles related to his faith while managing the pressures of the election process.

What makes Cardinal Lawrence a suitable leader for the conclave, according to the review?

Cardinal Lawrence is portrayed as a steady, quiet, and troubled figure, who lacks ambition and remarkable traits, making him the ideal choice to lead the conclave. His calm demeanor allows him to manage the complexities of the papal election without being swayed by personal desires for power.

How does the movie depict the different factions of cardinals within the conclave?

The movie introduces various factions within the conclave, each represented by cardinals with differing ideologies. For instance, Cardinal Balini is a reformer, Cardinal Tedesco is a hardliner, Cardinal Atay aspires to be the first African pope, and Cardinal Trimble seeks the papacy due to his lack of controversy, which highlights the diverse ambitions and political strategies at play.

What is the significance of the movie's cinematography and production design?

The cinematography by Stefane Fontaine and production design by Susie Davies play a crucial role in creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere. The film’s settings, from the grandeur of the Vatican to the simplicity of everyday spaces, are designed to reflect the contrasting worlds of the cardinals and the institution of the church.

How does the film handle adult themes without resorting to explicit content?

The film takes a mature approach to its subject matter without relying on explicit content like sex, violence, or strong language. The story focuses on intellectual and moral conflicts rather than sensationalism, proving that an adult drama can be effective without resorting to over-the-top elements.

Why is Ray Fiennes' performance being highlighted in the review?

Ray Fiennes' performance is highlighted for its subtle, intense portrayal of Cardinal Lawrence. His quiet, troubled intensity is compared to Killian Murphy's performance in 'Oppenheimer,' as both actors convey complex emotions through restraint and internal conflict, making Fiennes a strong contender for awards.

What is the movie's stance on the Catholic Church, and how does it address the concept of sin?

The movie is not necessarily an attack on the Catholic Church, but rather it emphasizes the flawed nature of human beings. Cardinal Lawrence believes the next pope should not be perfect, but a person who strives to overcome their sins. This idea challenges the expectations of the cardinals, who often see themselves as above sin.

What unexpected plot twist occurs toward the end of the film?

Towards the end, the film introduces a surprising plot twist that deviates from the earlier narrative, which catches the audience off guard. This twist, while intriguing, is also seen as potentially diminishing the previous story’s impact and may leave some viewers questioning its necessity in the overall plot.

How does the reviewer feel about the film's conclusion and the final twist?

The reviewer expresses mixed feelings about the film’s conclusion. While the majority of the film is well-executed, the final twist left the reviewer with lingering questions. The twist felt unnecessary and somewhat diminished the story’s earlier developments, though the film's overall quality still stands out.