Conclave
review by Bobby Blakey
The world of the Catholic church and even more so the Pope is a compelling one. It has weaved into the world of film in dramas, horror and everything in between. Now 2023’ All Quiet on the Western Front director Edward Berger is taking on the church with his film Conclave starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. Does this film offer some sort of religious experience, or will it be one that needs a lot more prayers?
Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new pope. Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.
I had somehow avoided any trailers for this film, so I wasn’t sure the direction it was going with the story, and I am glad. This is a powerful film that is subtle in its execution but filled with intrigue and tension in an unexpected way. The film is a slow burn building the narrative with clear roadblocks in the way, but so many deviations you won’t be expecting especially in the final act.
Fiennes is excellent as expected as he is working to resolve this situation and get the new Pope declared, but with the various information coming forward it weaves through the information almost like a spy thriller. The rest of the cast are spectacular as well with Stanley Tucci stealing every scene, he is in with not just his performance, but the unexpected nature of the character he is portraying in this world.
The set pieces of the church and wardrobe of the cardinals and members of the church almost feel like a period piece despite it not being one in the usual sense. For this film to work all these elements have to come together as well for you to be immersed into the world of the Catholic church and its workings in a way not typically seen. While this is a work of fiction it is executed to perfection giving you every sense of realism to the world that exists.
I had zero interest in this film initially but walked away been blown away by its perfection. I know it’s based on a book, but the ending is controversial and perfection that opens up even more questions to some stances in religion and how it should or could be handled that doesn’t do anything to disparage it or the decisions made in the end. In addition to the film this release offers bonus content including commentary, interviews and a featurette taking you behind bringing this film to life.
Grab your copy of Conclave available now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD from Universal Home Entertainment.