The Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away recently, and the world’s attention is turning to Vatican City again as a new Pope will be chosen through a process called “Conclave.” It is a sacred process of electing the pontiff where everything is secretive. Interestingly, a film was released on the election of the Pope last year, called “Conclave (2024).” So, there could hardly be a more fitting time to watch the film now. As we write, a lot of people are taking their time to watch the film, making it the hot topic of the time.
Last night I watched the film, and I thought I would write a review of the film. Conclave is a wonderful experience where Edward Berger masterfully crafted this suspenseful drama that takes us to experience power, faith, and deception behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel.
The film is based on Robert Harris’s acclaimed 2016 novel. Most importantly, the film won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay because it delivers a riveting tale of intrigue, ambition, and divine intervention. I am no professional film reviewer, yet I am trying to make my point as I love watching films, and a friend forced me to write something while we were talking about it. So, I am not going to write much about it, just a few points.
A Mysterious Cardinals, Dark Secrets and a Battle for the Throne
In the Vatican, the election of the Pope has already begun in real life, and the whole world is waiting in great anticipation. Similarly, in the film “Conclave,” the story begins with the sudden death of the Pope, and right after that, cardinals from 118 countries across the globe gather for the conclave. Presided over by the weary yet dutiful Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), an unknown cardinal emerges, casting suspicion on the proceedings. During the election process, dark secrets unravel, and the election becomes a fierce battle between liberals and traditionalists. The same is happening in the Vatican for real, according to the media, where liberal reformists and hardline conservative cardinals are fighting for the next title.
In the film, Stanley Tucci shines as Cardinal Bellini. He is a reluctant reformist candidate. On the other hand, John Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay is another popular candidate shrouded in mystery—the last man who saw the late Pope alive. Conclave’s tension builds when frontrunners rise and fall, alliances shift, and dark secrets come out. Unbelievably, the film mirrors the real-life drama of past papal elections, and maybe this Papal election is also going to have dramas like the film, where political maneuvering often overshadows spiritual discernment.
A Wonderful Direction With Realistic Plotting & Performances
Conclave (2024) is a very old yet fresh story, and Berger proves his versatility with mighty strokes. The director’s previous craft, All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), was a very different story from Conclave, and this film was a fresh topic for his triumph. We have to believe that he has turned a very static chamber drama into a gripping thriller.
When it comes to acting, the lead roles like Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci have done stupendous work that really reflects the cardinal status. Overall, most of the characters are beautifully presented, except few, who could do better. Besides acting, the cinematography is sumptuous. With striking compositions, evocative shots, the film found both the grandeur and claustrophobia of Vatican politics. The pacing of the film is also deliberate yet electrifying. It reminds us of many classics, where tension simmers in a confined space.
A Flawed Yet Fascinating Political Drama
I my view, Conclave excels in atmosphere and performance. It painted the conservative faction beautifully with almost caricatured strokes. For example, a cigar-chomping traditionalist seems to be lifted from a satirical sketch. On the other hand, the liberals lack the ideological heft of real-world Vatican factions despite being cunning enough for pure politics. The film is a very cleverly thought-out drama that is presented in a simple way, which feels too neat for such a complex conflict. Some critics would say these are flaws, and it should have been presented in a complex way than it has.
I think these flaws do not diminish the film’s sheer entertainment and critical acclaim. Besides, Berger has made a very rare blend of ecclesiastical intrigue and high-stakes suspense. Moreover, he has elevated the film with powerhouse performances from Fiennes, Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. Through the lens of this film, the Catholic Church stands at another historic crossroads, and it serves as both a thrilling drama and a timely reflection on faith, power, and the eternal struggle.
Conclave (2024): A Must-Watch Thriller for This Defining Moment in History
As the world is witnessing another election in the Vatican, this film offers a fictional yet very realistically plausible glimpse into the election process of the papal succession. So, whether you seek a political thriller or a thought-provoking exploration of the Vatican election, faith, and corruption in the ecclesiastical setting, Conclave is a must-watch film for essential viewing as the world watches Rome for its next spiritual leader.
 is a gripping thriller—flawed in its political depth but masterfully composed and more relevant now than ever!){kind=link}