Review by John Larkin
CONCLAVE is available to rent/purchase on Digital Platforms and is available on 4K UHD February 11, 2025
As a lifelong Catholic, I have always been captivated by the intricate rituals and doctrines of the Church—its catechism, the theater of its liturgies, and its unwavering pursuit of moral authority. Edward Berger’s CONCLAVE takes these ideas to a darker, more exhilarating level, delving into the treachery, deceit, and power struggles that unfold within the sacred confines of a papal election. Rarely has a film felt so simultaneously reverent and subversive, giving us, the audience, a peek behind the ceremonial grandeur to reveal the human frailties lurking beneath the cassocks.
Adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, CONCLAVE is a beautifully crafted chamber piece. With its restrained yet enthralling pace, the film delves into the high-stakes politics of the College of Cardinals after the sudden death of a Pope. Berger’s direction is razor sharp, guiding us through the labyrinthine of moral dilemmas and unspoken alliances among the electors with unrelenting tension - concluding in a shattering and darkly humorous reveal that left me stunned, mouth agape at the audacity of its conclusion.
Ralph Fiennes delivers a tour de force as Cardinal Lomeli, a conflicted and contemplative figure tasked with managing the conclave while grappling with his own crises of faith. Fiennes captures Lomeli’s quiet dignity and simmering doubts with a nuanced performance that should earn him serious consideration for a Best Actor Oscar. His ability to balance vulnerability with authority anchors the film and lends weight to every decision and revelation.
The supporting cast is equally exceptional as well. Stanley Tucci’s Cardinal Bellini exudes charisma and cunning, effortlessly walking the line between charm and menace. John Lithgow is compelling as a cardinal whose veneer of piety hides a dark secret. Sergio Castellitto rounds out the ensemble as a cardinal intent to reverse any ideologically progressive steps the church has made, with a performance imbued with a flair of charming European irreverence.
Volker Bertelmann’s haunting score weaves a sonic tapestry that underscores the story’s ominous undertones. From the very first tense opening notes the music amplifies the atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue, becoming a character in its own right. Bertelmann’s work is an essential part of the film’s success, immersing the audience in the claustrophobic tension of the whole event.
CONCLAVE is one of the year’s standout films—a gripping, intellectually stimulating drama that lingers long afterwards in your psyche. Edward Berger continues his streak as one of the industry's best new directors, seamlessly blending taut storytelling with profound theological and existential dilemmas. With its incisive screenplay, superb performances, and impeccable technical execution, CONCLAVE easily solidifies its place as a major Academy Awards contender and one of the best films of 2024.
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