Conclave is a drama/thriller about a papal conclave administered by Thomas(Ralph Fiennes) the Dean of the College of Cardinals. He navigates surprises, uncovers deceptions, and manages the personalities and ambitions of the various Cardinals.
Fiennes, as ever, is totally present, totally committed, and absolutely captivating. He elevates and centers what is at times a relatively formulaic mystery(although set not in law enforcement but the Catholic Church) into something that has some emotional dimension, addresses faith in an interesting way, and has a couple things to say. The supporting cast assist in this of course with stacked actors like Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, and Isabella Rossellini(among others) but the heavy lifting is done by Fiennes, it is his movie and he delivers.
Filmed in Rome but mostly at a studio the sets and locations give it authenticity, the simple recurring score is incredibly effective, the costuming pitch perfect. All the production elements work together in concert on a relatively modest budget. The story somewhat falters in the third act and there's a tension throughout as to what it wants to be, is it straight drama or is it pulpy mystery, the interplay between the two doesn't always result in a tonal marriage but throughout it remains engaging and entertaining.
A surprisingly potent piece of(increasingly rare) adult cinema. Seemingly destined to be underappreciated in theaters and a hit once streaming.
Currently in theaters, coming soon to VOD.
Rent It.
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