Black smoke is emitting from the Vatican signaling that a new pope has not been elected yet. What actually goes on behind those hallowed doors? Conclave takes us inside this beguiling, solemn process that has been occurring since 1271. It’s a fascinating ritual, taking place in the Sistine Chapel, that shows the revered Cardinals grappling with the same human frailties as the rest of us.
Conclave is directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) based on the novel by Richard Harris. A trio of splendid actors anchor the cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) is in charge of organizing the papal conclave and finds himself investigating secrets and scandals about each of the candidates. He is questioning his faith and not interested in being Pope, or so he says. His opening speech encouraging the gathered to embrace doubt and uncertainty sparks raised eyebrows. Lawrence leads the liberal wing along with Cardinal Bellini (Tucci) who also claims he is not worthy. Cardinal Tremblay (Lithgow) is a mainstream conservative. Also in attendance are a fiery traditionalist, a social conservative, and a late arrival, from of all places, Kabul, who really rocks the ceremony’s historical convention.
Fiennes is fantastic as he swims through the deceit, avoidance, and egos of the conclave. They are sequestered in a dormitory and insulated from the outside world (although in a rather shameless display, it quite literally enters the room). In their iconic red robes, they write out their choice by hand and deliver their paper vote to a special bowl. (They burn the votes after each round and add chemicals to create the smoke.) Conclave is a riveting, serious, and dialog-heavy film, but also entertaining and chuckle-inducing. It doesn’t dodge current socio-political issues from the parallels to our recent election to commentary on the modern-day Catholic Church.
The Cardinals struggle with balancing human nature and devotion to the deity. Their machinations might be more visible than they think. In one of the film’s finer moments, Sister Agnes (Isabella Rosellini) warns the men that while the nuns are supposed to be invisible, they have eyes and ears. One more revelation is to come. The ending is controversial and unforeseeable. Some will undoubtedly be turned off. I’m still not sure what I think. It’s an outlandish twist. It also effectively encapsulates the themes of the film.
(Conclave premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in August and is currently in theaters – run time 2 hr.)
D² Rating: ◼◼◼◩☐
Trivia: Stanley Tucci was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for what 2009 film, also starring Saoirse Ronan and Mark Wahlberg?
Trivia: John Lithgow was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the role of a transexual football player in what 1982 film?
Trivia: Ralph Fiennes was nominated for Best Actor playing Count Almasy in what 1996 film?
Trivia Answers: The Lovely Bones, The World According to Garp, and The English Patient.
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