Conclave (2024)

Conclave (2024), directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Robert Harris’s bestselling novel, is a taut political thriller set within the secretive walls of the Vatican. The film centers on Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is tasked with overseeing the election of a new pope following the sudden death of the previous pontiff. As the College of Cardinals convenes in seclusion, Lawrence navigates a complex web of political intrigue, personal ambitions, and hidden agendas.

The conclave brings together a diverse group of candidates, each representing different theological and ideological perspectives within the Church. Among them are Cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a liberal reformist; Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a staunch traditionalist; and Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), a conservative figure with a progressive façade. As the voting progresses, alliances shift, secrets emerge, and the line between faith and politics blurs.

Berger’s direction, combined with Peter Straughan’s screenplay, offers a compelling exploration of the power dynamics and moral complexities within the Church. The film’s meticulous attention to detail, from the recreation of the Sistine Chapel to the rituals of the conclave, immerses viewers in the gravity of the papal election process. Volker Bertelmann’s haunting score, featuring the ethereal sounds of the Cristal Baschet, enhances the film’s atmosphere of suspense and introspection.

Conclave has been lauded for its performances, particularly Fiennes’s portrayal of a man grappling with his conscience amidst a crisis of faith. The film’s exploration of institutional power, personal conviction, and the human capacity for both integrity and compromise resonates beyond its ecclesiastical setting, offering a mirror to broader societal and political structures.