Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave begins as the Pope unexpectedly dies. As Cardinals from around the world hurry to the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is left to oversee the next conclave to decide who shall take on the role of Holy Father. As the group is sequestered to make their vote, Lawrence must attempt to navigate the system and scandals that arise as these men jockey for position and power amidst the global Catholic church.
Fresh off the success of his All Quiet on the Western Front, Berger has once again created a compelling drama that balances character with intensity. With a sparkling script that grabs the viewer and never lets go, Conclave plays out like the best of political dramas. Led by an absolutely riveting Fiennes, the cast is stellar and every moment simply works. Though its set in the Catholic Church, this could very well be set against the backdrop of a presidential election or major corporation.
Amazingly, Berger never allows the viewer to forget the high stakes of choosing a figurehead to the Catholic church. For devout Catholics, the papacy is meant to represent God’s chosen leader. His values determine the direction that the church takes on a global scale. Every potential candidate seems to carry a position that pushes the agenda of the Church into an uncomfortable position, even if it shows progress.
Maybe even especially if it shows progress.
Yet neither does Conclave deify its characters either. Instead, the film reveals the cracks within the foundation of the Church. As these men scratch and claw for their spot at the throne, Conclave shows their brokenness. Like everyone outside the walls of the Vatican, these men too suffer from an incurable disease: their humanity.
Conclave is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
