Conclave Review: A Suspenseful and Sinister Look Behind the Vatican’s Closed Doors

Edward Berger’s Conclave unravels the Vatican’s secrets with gripping performances, masterful direction, and a suspenseful narrative that challenges faith and power.

Edward Berger’s Conclave is a triumph of atmospheric storytelling, offering a deeply compelling adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel that examines the power struggles within one of the world’s most secretive institutions. At its core, the film is a masterclass in crafting tension and intrigue, exploring the human condition through the lens of faith, ambition, and morality.

The film opens with the sudden death of the Pope, an event that sends shockwaves through the Catholic Church and sets the stage for a conclave—a closed-door assembly where Cardinals from across the globe gather to elect the next leader of the Church. This seemingly sacred process, held within the Sistine Chapel’s awe-inspiring walls, quickly becomes a battlefield of political scheming and personal agendas. Berger’s nuanced direction ensures that every scene is steeped in tension, each whisper and sideways glance carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and secrecy.

At the heart of the narrative is Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lomeli, the conflicted Dean of the College of Cardinals. Fiennes delivers a tour-de-force performance, balancing Lomeli’s piety with his growing disillusionment as he uncovers the machinations of those around him. His portrayal captures the essence of a man grappling with the weight of his faith and the moral compromises required to navigate a world rife with ambition and corruption. Fiennes’ nuanced expressions and quiet gravitas make Lomeli a character of profound complexity, anchoring the film’s exploration of faith and power.

The supporting cast elevates the story further. Stanley Tucci stands out as Cardinal Bellini, a charismatic and cunning rival whose manipulative strategies keep the audience guessing. John Lithgow’s Cardinal Ascanio, a staunch traditionalist, offers a counterpoint to Bellini’s modernist leanings, creating a dynamic interplay that reflects the broader ideological divides within the Church. These performances, layered and intricate, contribute to a narrative that feels as much about personal battles as it does about institutional politics.

Berger’s attention to detail shines in the film’s visual and sonic landscapes. Cristian Mungiu’s cinematography transforms the Vatican into a character of its own, its opulent yet foreboding architecture a perfect backdrop for the film’s thematic explorations. The interplay of light and shadow within the marble halls mirrors the moral ambiguities faced by the characters, while the Sistine Chapel becomes a crucible of tension, its sacred beauty contrasting sharply with the earthly conflicts unfolding within.

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The score by Mark Korven is equally pivotal, weaving an auditory tapestry that heightens the suspense and imbues the proceedings with an almost otherworldly sense of dread. Korven’s haunting compositions, punctuated by organ swells and choral echoes, remind viewers of the Church’s divine aspirations even as the film delves into its human failings.

The screenplay, co-written by Berger, strikes a delicate balance between intellectual rigor and emotional resonance. It examines the theological and ethical dilemmas of leadership within a religious framework, probing questions about the true nature of faith, the corrupting influence of power, and the sacrifices required to uphold institutional sanctity. Lomeli’s journey, in particular, reflects a profound struggle between spiritual devotion and the pragmatic realities of guiding an imperfect Church.

While the film’s deliberate pacing may not cater to viewers seeking rapid-fire thrills, it is precisely this restraint that allows the tension to simmer and the characters’ inner conflicts to resonate. Each decision, each betrayal, and each revelation is given the space to breathe, making the climactic moments all the more impactful.

As the story unfolds, a shocking twist reframes the entire narrative, challenging not only Lomeli’s perception of his role but also the audience’s understanding of the Church’s complexities. It’s a testament to Berger’s skill that this revelation feels both earned and deeply unsettling, adding another layer of depth to an already intricate tale.

Conclave is not merely a film about a papal election—it is an unflinching examination of humanity’s frailties within a divine context. It peels back the layers of one of the world’s most opaque institutions, revealing a microcosm of ambition, faith, and moral compromise. Berger has crafted a cinematic experience that lingers in the mind, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between spiritual ideals and human imperfections.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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Conclave

Director: Edward Berger

Producer: Alice Dawson, Juliette Howell, Michael Jackman

Writer: Robert Harris, Peter Straughan

Release Date: Oct 25, 2024

Runtime: 2hr