FILM REVIEW
CONCLAVE
Rated PG
120 Minutes
Released October 25th
Conclave bursts forth with the compelling essence of cinema, where visuals intertwine harmoniously with a rich tapestry of sound. From the very first frame, the film immerses viewers in a world where each movement reverberates, challenging expectations in ways one might not anticipate, given its somber, sacred theme. Windows act as portals, inviting us into the minds of the cardinals—these human figures, supposedly navigating the path toward divine enlightenment, yet laden with earthly temptations and flaws.
But does transcendence actually unfold? This very question lies at the heart of Conclave. It depicts a gathering of cardinals, converging in Rome following the death of a pope—each vying to select a successor. Many of us have beheld papal successions on the global stage, familiar with the age-old traditions rooted in medieval Catholicism. Yet this film unveils a deeper narrative against that historical backdrop.
The pacing of this high-stakes election thriller is both steady and gripping, propelled by the undercurrents of ambition that slowly but surely begin to obscure the intent for righteousness. Beneath the vivid red robes, these cardinals are rendered profoundly human, wrestling with inner demons that challenge their lofty aspirations. The film’s timing resonates with the current political climate, echoing the maneuvers of our electoral season as the divine process unfolds—one in which God designates a pope, while the cardinals interpret His will through their earthly desires.
Under the visionary direction of Edward Berger, known for his masterful storytelling in films like *All Quiet on the Western Front*, a symphony of color, sound, and composition envelops the viewer. A graduate of an arts high school in Germany and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Berger merges his artistic sensibilities seamlessly into this tapestry. His collaboration with composer Volker Bertelmann fuels the film with an emotionally charged score that breathes creativity into the narrative fabric.
The intricate dynamics among the cardinals unfold with a poignant economy of dialogue. The stellar cast—featuring luminaries such as Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and the burgeoning talent Carlos Diehz—communicate volumes with subtle facial expressions, cloaked as they are in ceremonial garb. Diehz, portraying Cardinal Benitez, is a fresh face in the film world, having embarked on his acting journey just two years prior. Fiennes reportedly observed Diehz on set, exclaiming, “Now I know why they chose you. You are Benitez.” Tucci, embodying the character Bellini, astutely muses on the core conflict in this tale of power: “The most important relationship in this film, for all these men, is the relationship with themselves. That’s what it all boils down to. They think it’s God…and it is, but really, it’s them.”
Conclave represents a psychological thriller elevated to epic proportions, simultaneously reminiscent of a riveting soap opera. Prepare for a conclusion that defies expectation, as the film dares to tread into territories stirring disquietude within the Catholic community. Regardless of one’s spiritual affiliations, Conclave prompts contemplations on one’s own beliefs and purpose. It beckons us to explore faith—not merely as a tenet of religion, but as an essential component of our collective humanity, urging us to maintain awe in the face of life’s profound mysteries.
Kathryn Whitney Boole has dedicated her life to the entertainment realm, filled with remarkable adventures alongside extraordinary figures. She serves as a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica.
