Synopsis of Conclave (2024)
Conclave, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, is a political thriller centered on the secretive process of selecting a new pope following the unexpected death of the previous pontiff. Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with overseeing the conclave, a gathering of cardinals locked in the Vatican to vote for the next leader of the Catholic Church. As the process unfolds, Lawrence navigates a web of ambition, intrigue, and hidden secrets among the candidates, including the liberal Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), the conservative Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), the ambitious Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), and the enigmatic Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati). The arrival of a mysterious latecomer, Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), further complicates the proceedings. As alliances shift, scandals emerge, and external events like a bombing in Rome disrupt the sequestered cardinals, Lawrence uncovers a trail of secrets that could shake the Church’s foundations. The film builds to a surprising final twist, revealing the new pope’s identity and a shocking personal secret, challenging the institution’s traditions and sparking debate among viewers.
Review of Conclave
Conclave is a gripping, visually sumptuous thriller that blends high-stakes drama with sharp political allegory, earning widespread praise for its stellar cast, taut direction, and provocative themes, though its final twist and historical inaccuracies have divided critics and audiences.
Strengths:
Performances: Ralph Fiennes delivers a career-highlight performance as Cardinal Lawrence, embodying a man torn between duty and doubt with restrained intensity. Stanley Tucci shines as the reluctant progressive Bellini, while Sergio Castellitto’s flamboyant Tedesco and Isabella Rossellini’s quietly powerful Sister Agnes add depth and flair. The ensemble’s chemistry elevates the film’s tense exchanges.
Direction and Craft: Edward Berger crafts a claustrophobic yet opulent atmosphere, with Stéphane Fontaine’s cinematography capturing the Vatican’s grandeur in rich reds and marble hues. Volker Bertelmann’s score, using unconventional instruments like the Cristal Baschet, heightens the suspense. The sound design, amplifying every footstep and whisper, immerses viewers in the conclave’s intensity.
Engaging Narrative: The film’s blend of locked-room mystery, political maneuvering, and moral dilemmas makes it a crowd-pleaser. Its pacing keeps viewers hooked, with twists that mirror a murder mystery, minus the actual murder. The universal themes of power, faith, and human flaws resonate beyond the Vatican, drawing comparisons to Succession or election politics.
Cultural Impact: With a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and $116.4 million box office on a $20 million budget, Conclave has been a critical and commercial hit. It won Best Film at the BAFTAs, Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars (among eight nominations), and the Golden Tomato for Best Mystery & Thriller of 2024. Its release near the 2024 U.S. election and Pope Francis’s 2025 hospitalization fueled timely discussions.
Weaknesses:
Historical and Theological Inaccuracies: Catholic critics have noted errors, such as the film’s depiction of overt campaigning (forbidden by Vatican rules) and a reference to a pope tied to the Hitler Youth, seen as a slander against Benedict XVI. The portrayal of canon law, like “in pectore” nominations, is incorrect, and the film’s focus on politics over spiritual concerns feels reductive.
Final Twist: The climactic revelation that the new pope is intersex has polarized viewers. Some, like Variety’s Peter Debruge, call it a “satisfying” twist that restores faith, while others, including Catholic reviewers and Otosirieze Obi-Young, criticize it as exploitative, ahistorical, or reinforcing stereotypes (e.g., tying a scandal to the sole African candidate). The twist’s symbolic push for progress can feel heavy-handed.
Caricatured Characters: The conservative Tedesco is often cited as a cartoonish stereotype, with his vape and melodramatic demeanor undermining the film’s nuance. The liberals vs. conservatives divide can feel oversimplified, flattening complex Church politics.
Ideological Bias: Some Catholic publications, like Angelus and OSV News, dismiss the film as anti-Catholic or propagandistic, arguing it prioritizes secular progressivism over Church doctrine. Its emphasis on doubt over certainty as a virtue clashes with Catholic teachings, and conservative cardinals are portrayed less sympathetically.
Overall:
Conclave is a thrilling, well-crafted drama that excels as entertainment but stumbles in its portrayal of Catholic intricacies and its provocative ending. It’s a must-see for fans of political thrillers and standout performances, but those seeking a nuanced depiction of the Church may find it wanting. Its blend of spectacle, suspense, and moral questions makes it a standout, albeit flawed, cinematic experience.
Rating: 4/5 stars. Highly entertaining and thought-provoking, but its liberties with Church tradition and polarizing twist keep it from perfection.
Note: Catholic viewers may want to approach with caution due to the film’s sensitive handling of Church themes and its final revelation, which some find disrespectful.
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