It’s always interesting to see what a newly acclaimed and award winning director decides to do next. Fresh off the success of 2022’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” which garnered critical acclaim and 9 Academy Award Nominations (it won 4 including Best International Feature and Cinematography) director Edward Berger is back with “Conclave,” a pulpy, riveting conspiracy thriller with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and enough twists and turns to make M. Night Shaymalan jealous. The German filmmaker seems to be putting all of his skills to the test and arrives with something prove; his success with “Western Front” was no fluke. Though much more restrained and confined, “Conclave” still maintains all of Berger’s exquisite visual flare and command of visual language, elevating the material beyond its basic framework and into something more unique and enthralling.
At its core, “Conclave” is a not so subtle political thriller delivered under the guise of religion. In this case, the papacy and the election of a new pope after the current one passes away in his sleep. Stripped of all the things that make it great (which we will get into shortly) “Conclave” is airport novel material at best, direct to streaming at worst in less capable hands. That’s not to say it isn’t thrilling in its own right, just that if you ponder its merits for too long you’ll come away from it feeling like it amounts to a little more than genre thriller shlock. It’s got enough melodrama and soap opera surprises to be called “Pretty Little Friars” and you’d be right to dismiss it out of hand unless you’re into that kind of thing. Thankfully, Berger is smart enough and crafty enough to push “Conclave” past all of the things that should hold a film like this back from its true potential, transferring the adapted pages from trashy political commentary into something timeless and evergreen.
In short, “Conclave” follows the election of a new pope. Cardinals from around the globe are called to be sequestered in the Vatican until they can all agree on the next leader. Even the most pious plot and backstab and campaign, with each presumptive nominee and frontrunner conducting secret meetings in halls to garner support and fight to keep their misdeeds hidden until the election is over. Cardinal Lawarence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with overseeing and organizing the election, and in his effort to make sure everything runs smoothly and fairly, uncovers secrets not just about his fellow cardinals vying for the empty seat, but about the deceased pope himself. The film stars Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, and Isabella Rossellini. Berger directs from a script by Peter Straughan, based on the book of the same name by Robert Harris.
Straughan’s adaptive work is the pinnacle of high highs and low lows, with highs of “The Debt” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” to lows of “The Snowman” and “The Goldfinch.” Thankfully, “Conclave” is more in line with the highs, creating a pulpy yet intellectual adaption that feels fresh even if it is rather standard genre wise. Berger identifies what truly matters beneath the fluff, and creates a tightly wound thriller in the most unlikely of places. Dudes in robes talking in dark rooms attempting to usurp the chances of their rivals is something that seems only intriguing to old dudes, but Berger’s confidence with Straughan’s script delivered by excellent performers makes “Conclave” more than the sum of its parts and one of the most entertaining films of the year. Everything just clicks to make the film one of the fun and enthralling watches, and Stéphane Fontaine’s cinematography that wraps the screen in a sea of red and white delivers dazzling shot composition that outright stuns in its framing and colors.
Minus a few technology bits, “Conclave” exists in a timeless setting, a single location for nearly all of the film that gives it the feeling that it could exist at any time in the last 100 years. If it didn’t briefly show a cardinal on his smartphone or need to use a computer to gather vital information, “Conclave” would feel right at home in 1950 or 1970 or any decade you need it to exist in. It’s this nondescript setting that gives the film its rewatchability, allowing viewers to return over and over again because “Conclave” isn’t held back by time despite feeling incredibly timely by arriving during an election year. There are so many different visual cues, performances and gorgeously crafted scenes packed into “Conclave” you can’t help but get wrapped up in what’s happening wherever you decide to pick up from. For the first time in a long time, the broad appeal of TNT cable replays is a compliment to “Conclave,” because it is the kind of film that is so well executed and so broadly entertaining that when you see it on your guide, you’ll tune in and have it on the background.
Its success is lastly due to the film’s incredible cast, all of whom are people we love to see in movies giving everything they have to this one. Fiennes has always been one of the best parts of anything he’s in, but he is dialed into everything in “Conclave,” a man burdened by an impossible task playing organizer, neutral confidant and detective at the same time. All of which culminates in reveal after reveal as the decision gets closer and closer with each round of voting. Fiennes is the driving force of the film and the perspective we follow most, and he delivers one of his best performances to date.
There is never a time where you don’t want to see Stanley Tucci, and “Conclave” is no exception. Lithgow, too is quite good, and Sergio Castellitto might be the funniest cardinal of the bunch without ever detracting from the drama. The real standout among these giants is Isabella Rossellini, who is largely relegated to the shadows of “Conclave” (because let’s face it, this is a movie about men and men of power existing in an institution founded on that very principle) but is given a few moments to shine and boy oh boy does she ever. Rossellini has one particular moment where she is given full control over the room, and her delivery, passion and performance are enough to have you questioning whether or not you should add her to the best supporting actress list. Spoiler alert: I think you should.
For once, this is a style over substance film that works. “Conclave” may wear the melodrama on its sleeve and has some reveals that may not land as hard or be as clever as Berger believes them to be, but this is a film elevated by its execution. “Conclave” is smart, engaging, and expertly crafted, all of which largely overshadow any misgivings one might have about its petty bickering of old religious dudes fighting for religious power. Berger and his crew along with his stellar cast create something genuinely special with “Conclave,” a film that may not smash at the Academy Awards but will be a tried and true crowd pleaser for years to come.
Believe the hype, “Conclave” is a great time at the movies. It’s got a lot on its mind and a lot of ideas about our current state of things, but never feels preachy and never stops being an entertaining thrill ride. “Conclave” is poised to make the top 10 best films of the year for me, and may even crack the top 5 depending on how things shake up near the end of the year.
Yes, Pretty Little Friars…I mean….”Conclave” is that good and I highly recommend you check it out.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Conclave” is in theaters everywhere October 25th. You can watch the trailer below.
