Conclave - movie review

Review of the movie Conclave.

Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence in this two-hour drama full of suspense and mystery. The movie is rated PG and is directed by Edward Berger.

The Pope has unexpectedly died, and Cardinal Lawrence must oversee the secret process of convening the conclave of popes worldwide.

Stanley Tucci is outstanding as American Cardinal Bellini; John Lithgow plays Canadian Cardinal Tremblay. Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes. The plot thickens as the cardinals arrive from countries worldwide and the men jockey for position.

Cardinal Adeyemi from Nigeria has conservative views and is one of the finalists, along with Cardinal Tedesco from Italy. There are secret meetings and crises of faith. Cardinal Bellini (Tucci) is not very diplomatic and claims he will tell it like it is if elected as Pope. He will not be "handled" and will not tread lightly.

The cardinal from Mexico arrives, and kindness emanates from his soft-spoken words. My immediate first impression was, "This is the new pope!" Although he is from Mexico, he is currently working in Afghanistan. His explanation of this is superb.

We see Sister Agnes eavesdropping and swiftly walking the halls like a spy might. There is some intrigue with Cardinal Tremblay (Lithgow) regarding his last visit with the Pope before the Pope's death.

The number of lead characters and their specific issues and personalities might cause some confusion when following the plot. Overall, the acting was outstanding. The mystery and drama of selecting a new pope keep the viewer engaged and wondering who did what and when!

Cardinal Lawrence must navigate the intrigue and find the truth. He wants to ensure the new Pope is the right spiritual leader for the Catholic church. It is not easy with all of the personalities and information brought to him. There are numerous votes without a majority, which brings more intrigue and jockeying. However, finally, there is a majority, a new Pope is elected, and white smoke drifts upward from the Sistine Chapel, alerting the people.

The ending is a stunner, yet perfect. However, the mystery revealed at the end may leave many uncomfortable. In my opinion, it is indeed how the leader of the Christian movement, Jesus, would have wanted it.

Author note: I am not Catholic. The movie is a drama but has enough action and intrigue to keep viewers of all faiths interested and the most action-avid moviegoers immersed in the film.

Copyright ©11/26/2024 by Andrea O. Corwin

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