Rent Conclave (2024)

Well acted, full of suspense and also O.T.T. - Conclave review by Philip in Paradiso

After the Pope's sudden death of a heart attack, the College of Cardinals, in the Vatican, needs to convene in order to elect a successor to the dead Pope. The dean in charge of organising the conclave, i.e. the process of choosing the new pontiff, is a British prelate, Thomas Lawrence, who wants to do things properly and fairly (Ralph Fiennes). There are several leading contenders for the position of pontiff: some are more liberal, others more conservative. As the film progresses, issues arise with some of the would-be popes, causing crises and ratchetting up the tension and the suspense.

This is a very good film, which manages to make what could have been a dreary process - holding rounds of vote to find a new Pope - exciting and even spectacular. The acting is remarkably good across the board. The movie re-creates the atmosphere in the Vatican very well - or what we may imagine it to be. Soon, the entire plot focuses on power within the Roman Catholic Church: who has it and who hasn't; who knows what; alliances and cliques, and so on.

I have 2 reservations, however. First of all, the list of incidents and crises is, somehow, implausible. Granted, this is what films do: they concentrate in a couple of hours enough melodrama to last a lifetime, so as to make the story exciting. Still, I feel that the plot is somehow over the top and requires a certain suspension of disbelief. Second, the ending is vaguely annoying as it seeks to convey a message to the audience laced with a certain amount of what I can only call political correctness: I cannot say any more so as not to spoil the story for those who have not seen the film yet. 'The Cairo Conspiracy', in a Muslim context (2022), is a masterpiece; 'Conclave' is not. Still, a very good film I enjoyed watching.

Predictable Soapy Vatican Saga - Conclave review by PV

My favourite bit of this film was the setting, the buildings and sculptures of Rome and the Vatican.

As for the plot, well I could predict the film's end in the first half hour when the new character appears (NO SPOILERS) and the MAIn twist at the halfway point. It was obvious to me, really. And been done. Watch THE CRYING GAME (1989)

I like Robert Harris as an author esp his WWII/Nazi novels and esp his debit FATHERLAND though the TV movie of that from 1994 could be made better. MUNICH and V2 are worth a read too.

This, however, reminds me of RH's Roman novels, Pompeii etc, and I lose interest tbh. This is probably of interest to all of faith who liked the Da Vinci Code etc.

Me, I do not understand why the praise is being heaped on this movie, maybe it is the on-trend gender issues of identity politics? But, as I said, watch THE CRYING GAME or recent Flemish/Belgian film GIRL which is superb.

2 stars only. 1 of them for the lovely architecture and cinematorgraphy.

Papal Intrigue in Need of More Sin - Conclave review by griggs

Conclave is a solid film that nearly matches its intriguing premise but falls short in critical areas. The set-up promises claustrophobia, but the tension never fully translates to the audience. While rules are broken with abandon, there’s little sense of jeopardy. What saves the film is its stellar cast. Ralph Fiennes is magnetic, delivering layers of quiet authority and veiled emotion, while Stanley Tucci balances wit and weariness perfectly. Isabella Rossellini adds a touch of elegance and mystery.

It’s an Oscar darling in the making, with nominations almost guaranteed—deserved or not. And with its potential to seriously challenge for Best Adapted Screenplay, Conclave is a film that keeps you hopeful and excited. It's a mixed bag, but the performances make it worthwhile.

Boys and their Power Games - Conclave review by RCO

Portentous, self-important tosh. A very well written and filmed drama but ultimately pointless and tedious.

Essentially it is a jury-room drama (12 Angry Men etc) in red robes. Obvious from the start that the rank outsider would get it with a pointless surprise at the end

Fiennes & cast are brilliant in this twisty tale of religious mendaciousness & plotting - Conclave review by Timmy B

Conclave was a film which, had it not had the acclaim & swept the board with nominations for every ceremony, I wouldn't have thought twice about watching. Edward Berger's previous film, the remake of All Quiet on the Western Front, was a competent but often cold film which I didn't massively enjoy watching, despite some excellent performances from the young cast. It was also far too long & the last 20 minutes I was struggling to keep engaged. But Conclave not only had the acclaim, but was filled with actors who I love to watch. So I rented it & was gripped within the first few minutes.

The film begins with the death of the Pope, which then starts the grindingly bureaucratic & potentially days-long selection of the new Pope. This is overseen by Cardinal Lawrence, a jaded but loyal man who is emphatic about the need for the conclave (selection process) to be conducted by the rules laid down by the Church. As the process continues, secrets & duplicity threaten to derail everything.

I really enjoyed this film. In many ways it is an embarrassment of riches. Following on from the success of 'Western Front, it is clear Berger was given free rein to craft the film he wanted, with the actors he wanted to work with. Fiennes is absolutely sensational, given a rich meaty role which he throws himself into. Lawrence is a man of multiple layers: a Cardinal whose faith has been in crisis but who is loyal to not only his old boss but also the religious institution he has devoted his life to.

In terms of supporting players, anything Stanley Tucci is in is immediately elevated. His Cardinal is a man who is trying to keep the center ground of the Church in place, whilst surrounded by some whose goal over the years had been to destabilise it. Similarly John Lithgow is great, a man who feels the role is destined to be his, but whose baggage is in the background.

But for me, over and above everything else, the best thing about this film is without question it's pace & runtime. Berger seems to have learned his lesson from 'Western Front, because whilst that film dragged, Conclave doesn't have an ounce of fat or bloat on it. The narrative is like a beautifully well-oiled machine, perfectly paced & every scene going on for exactly the right length. Similarly, the sets & costumes are perfect (on the special features, it was revealed somewhat amusingly that Cinecittà studios in Italy has a perfect replica/film set of the Sistine Chapel which can be constructed extremely quickly, such is it's continued use in projects.)

But I also love how accessible it was as a piece of entertainment for me as an atheist, but someone who has respect for different faiths that people follow (despite my disagreements with many elements of them.) The film shows you the nuts and bolts workings of this process, along with the fact that despite being religious men, there is the same level of scheming & mendaciousness that you would find in any big organisation which has the "ultimate job." It also reminds you that, despite the falling of religious adherence, the Pope is still one of the most important figures in the world today, head of a church with around 1.4 billion members.

This really is an excellent film, worthy of all the praise showered on it & featuring many of our best working actors at the top of their game. I really enjoyed it.

Surprisingly engrossing chamber piece - Conclave review by Alphaville

It’s astonishing that such ancient theological rituals are still meaningful to many otherwise-sensible people, but if you can get past the flummery and silly costumes this is more a more engrossing film than might seem possible. The plot moves along nicely as the cardinals vie for the prize of becoming pope and the voting rounds add an almost-thriller component. Add to this enough Vatican architecture to give it visual variation, a jolting staccato soundtrack and a startling climax. All in all, an unexpectedly enthralling watch.