Conclave: Catholic contests make a magnificent, must-see mystery

The Snapshot: A masterful screenplay and flawless ensemble of actors combine into a thrilling historical fiction that demands to be seen.

Conclave

10 out of 10

PG, 2hrs. Mystery Thriller Drama.

Directed by Edward Berger.

Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Diehz, Segio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini.

Now Playing at  Landmark Cinemas, Pen Centre, Cineplex Winston Churchill & VIP and Cineplex Oakville & VIP.

When it comes to historical fiction, it doesn’t get much better than Conclave. This spellbinding new mystery thriller starring Ralph Fiennes is an expertly crafted film that’s entertaining, through-provoking, and surprising in all the right ways.

The story is a fictional retelling of a 21st century papal conclave to elect the next holy pope of the Catholic church. Based on a 2016 novel by Robert Harris, the film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) trying to maintain integrity and order as Dean of the College of Cardinals, overseeing the vote for the new pope.

Conclave’s subject may (rightly) make devout audiences concerned about the content, but have no fear - director Edward Berger’s empathy and respect for the subject walks a superb balance between honouring the faith and crafting Hollywood high stakes for a fiction movie.

Berger made an international name for himself working on 2022’s German film All Quiet on the Western Front, which went on to win four Oscars. Now he’s making his English language debut with Conclave, maintaining his technical skill of cinematography, acting direction and editing precision.

Read more here: All Quiet on Western Front - Get ready for tonight's 95th Oscars

As a whole, all of Conclave’s elements working together is the movie-going equivalent of being hit by lightning. The remarkably tight script from writer Peter Straughan is captivating from start to finish, filled with enthralling dialogue and grounded plot twists that unfold in an endless parade of excitement.

The ever changing stakes of who will be chosen as the next pope continually changes amidst conversations of great seriousness for what the future of the church is - and should - eventually be.

Even greater is the acting ensemble who brings each of the potential candidates to life: Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Dietz and Lucian Msamati especially all bring deep investment in their characters fighting for the political and spiritual lives while secluded in the conclave.

At the centre of it all, two-time Oscar nominee Fiennes is giving one of the year’s best performances as Lawrence. He’s insightful, compassionate and fully committed to the virtues of maintaining honesty in the conclave - even as his friends and foes try to seize control for themselves.

His best moment comes early, when Cardinal Lawrence delivers a homily to the other cardinals. After the expected prayer, he speaks from the heart, explaining the church’s greatest fight ahead in a powerful monologue. 

He bravely warns the other cardinals, “The greatest sin of all is certainty.” That’s a moving message for all audiences today: if we are so ingrained in our beliefs, we can never hope to listen, learn, and humble ourselves for common good.

Put simply: Conclave is quite possibly the best movie of the year. Armed with a sharp screenplay, great cast, focused director and phenomenal story, this movie is an example of filmmakers truly doing God’s work.