Subterfuge and tension abound in the compelling papal thriller Conclave. The Pope has died and cardinals have been summoned from around the world to elect his successor. The man charged with the responsibility of seeing the process through to finality is the College of Cardinals dean, Brit Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes). Of late, he has been struggling with his faith, but nevertheless he takes his duties seriously. As it turns out, all sorts of curve balls are thrown at him.
First and foremost, there is a jostling for the top job between the conservative (traditionalist) and the progressive (liberal) factions. Leading the charge for the former is larger than life Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), who believes it is high time that an Italian is back in the job. The latter is represented by American Cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), the early favourite, who feigns a lack of interest, but is keen to see the church move forward.
Another hungry for the position is Canadian Cardinal Joseph Tremblay (John Lithgow), over whom a cloud of suspicion hangs. A popular candidate is Nigerian Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), who is hiding a secret. As the cardinals gather, one more than anticipated arrives, being a secret appointee by the late pontiff. He is Mexican Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Deihz), who works in Kabul and has been posted to other world trouble spots.
The cardinals are being looked after by nuns, led by Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), who inadvertently becomes caught up in the byplay. Ballot after ballot takes place without a decisive outcome. External violence rears its ugly head and shakes up the cardinals. Then, before this is over, there will be one final twist. Conclave proves to be a right royal scrap between cardinals on different sides of the fence, many coveting the role as head of the Catholic church. What we see is scandalous, ugly and duplicitous, but it also enthralling.
Based on a 2016 book by British novelist Robert Harris, the riveting screenplay is by Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy). Strong direction comes from Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front). Everything about the film – the look, the feel, the sound, the dialogue and the performances – is top shelf. Ralph Fiennes is considered and empathetic in the lead, forever trying to juggle opposing forces. Stanley Tucci is passionate as the cardinal wanting to build on the late Pope’s legacy.
Carlos Deihz is measured and respectful as the newbie who has seen much firsthand, but is taken aback by his colleague’s carnivorous mentality. Isabella Rossellini impresses with her relatively small, but significant behind the scenes role. Stephane Fontaine’s cinematography, including excellent use of close ups, is a major drawcard, as is the striking costuming by Lisy Christl. From the opening strains, the score by Volker Bertelmann is nerve jangling. Conclave, which hardly paints the church in a positive light, is a fine production that has you second guessing throughout.
Alex First
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Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.