If there is only certainty, and no doubt, there would be no mystery and therefore, no need for faith.
A Hitchcock like mystery blended with a political thriller, carefully wrapped in centuries of Roman tradition, CONCLAVE is an exciting, adult drama and one of the best films of the year.
As the film opens, the Pope has just died. His closest confidants surround his deathbed. Almost immediately, Cardinal Lawrence (a brilliant Ralph Fiennes) begins to sense that the events of the pontiff's last day aren't quite what they appear.
Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow, reliably great) swoops in with a well detailed timeline of the Pope's final meetings. It all seems, a bit TOO detailed.
Cardinal Bellini (a jaw-dropping Stanley Tucci giving one of his best performances) is Lawrence's closest confidant and his choice as the new Pope.
Lawrence is appointed to run the conclave, the mysteries, ancient procedure of electing the new head of the Catholic Church.
Writer Peter Straughan (Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy), adapting Robert Harris' bestseller, shows a deft hand. His screenplay somehow offers up a thriller about political machinations and an enjoyable, twisty melodrama of all these flawed men, perfectly blended.
Director Edward Berger (All Quiet On The Western Front) keeps things moving from the opening scenes to the final shot, immersing you deep inside the walls of the Vatican as the modern world literally explodes around it. The film is so carefully constructed that it offers dramatic surprises around every cloistered corner.
I lost count of the great camera shots that ingeniously frame the mystery, but that overhead shot of all the Cardinals moving toward their voting chamber in a herd of umbrellas will stay with me a very long time.
Lucian Msamati (The International) is a standout as Cardinal Adeyemi, as is Sergio Castellitto as Italian Cardinal Tedesco. Castellitto OWNS the screen as the vape smoking traditionalist determined to be the first Italian pope in four decades.
Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, Death Becomes Her) damn near steal the movie as Sister Agnes, the quiet but observant woman overseeing all the nuns within the walls of the conclave.
Mysterious characters appear as the gates are about to be closed, shadowy conversations take place in stairwells and secret votes for power become heart pounding scenes thanks to Volker Bertelmann's excellent score. It has echoes of the best of Bernard Herrmann while carving out wholly new territory just under your skin.
Fiennes (Skyfall, Schindler's List) is the heart of the film as Lawrence. He's perfect in every moment. His reactions to all the personalities around him, dealing with his own flaws with the weight of an institution on his shoulders are so true its a thrill to watch. Fiennes should get a Best Actor nomination for his work here.
He's matched by Tucci (Spotlight) who's as funny as he is dramatic in a performance that deserves a Best Supporting Actor nod. He's never been better, and that's saying something.
The film saves its final, monumental twist for last and it's a game changer.
We walked out of the film in a deep discussion about the characters and how all these intriguing, fascinating puzzle pieces gel.
In these days of superhero movies and generic entertainment that are enjoyable in the moment but fade from memory by the weekend, we're blessed to have CONCLAVE. It's an adult, intelligent drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat from it's opening moments to that final shot.
It's also one of my favorites of 2024 and gets an A.
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