“Conclave” was directed by Edward Berger & is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris. The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow & Sergio Castellitto. The film is set & a shot in The Vatican despite their stance on the novel & other outside media publishing as well as Rome, Italy.
After the sudden & tragic passing of The Pope, Dean Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked with organizing a conclave to elect a successor. Of the College of Cardinals, 4 stand out the most. Aldo Bellini (Tucci), representing the U.S., Joseph Trembly (Lithgow), representing Canada, Goffredo Tedesco (Castellitto), representing Italy & Joseph Adeyemi (played by Lucian Msamati) representing Nigeria. On the Eve of the Conclave, Lawrence is blindsided by the arrival of Archbishop Vincent Benitez (played by Carlos Diehz), of Mexican descent who represents an order in Afghanistan. This incurs a series of cases of infidelity, corruption & terrorism as all stories revolving around the top candidates come to light. Now, Lawrence must reevaluate, not only his trust in these candidates but his own faith as well.
This film takes the political thriller storyline & puts it in a religious setting and does a fantastic job executed it. This was a great film all the way around. The look & feel of this film is very reminiscent of a psychological thriller, much like the film, “The DaVinci Code”. You don’t know what lurks around the corner, every accusation is well oriented to the character. Ralph Fiennes gives an excellent performance as “the cop” in this story who is not only looking for a way out but also serves mediator to all these stories and making sure the word doesn’t get out. You get the sense Fiennes’ character is burned out, but he can’t leave just yet. His character reminded me of Morgan Freeman’s character in the movie, “Se7en”. He’s ready to retire but then the biggest case of his career hits his desk. Isabella Rossellini also gives a great performance despite having the least amount of screen time. She comes in towards the end of the film but delivers a quality performance with the time she’s given. Very similar to Da ‘Vine Joy Randolph’s performance & character in 2023’s, “The Holdovers”. Maybe Rosellini will the same success as Randolph as far as award season.
The film debuted at the Telluride Film Festival in August of 2024 before hitting theaters nationwide later on in October & then on the streaming service, Peacock, in December. The film has already earned 8 Academy Award nominations as well as 6 Golden Globe nominations. It’s nominated for Best Picture while Fiennes is nominated for Best Actor & Rosellini for Best Supporting Actress.