Conclave (2024) is a mystery thriller directed by Edward Berger, based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel of the same name. The film explores the tension and intrigue of a papal conclave as the world’s most powerful cardinals come together to elect a new pope. With secrets, scandals, and power plays coming to light, Conclave is a richly engaging exploration of religion, politics, and ambition, all wrapped in a thrilling, suspenseful narrative.
Cast and Crew
The movie Conclave is headed by a star-studded cast. It stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the British liberal and Dean of the College of Cardinals, who gets caught up in the investigation of secrets within the conclave. Stanley Tucci plays Aldo Cardinal Bellini, the U.S.-based liberal, who faces challenges in his pursuit of papacy. He appears in Joseph Cardinal Tremblay, a Canadian moderate. Italian actor Sergio Castellitto takes the traditionalist role with far-right views of Goffredo Cardinal Tedesco. The head caterer and housekeeper for the cardinals is played by Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes.
The film is directed by Edward Berger, known for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), and written by Peter Straughan, who brings Harris’ intricate novel to life on screen. The film’s cinematography is crafted by Stéphane Fontaine, while Nick Emerson handles the editing. Volker Bertelmann composed the score, adding depth to the film’s tense atmosphere.
Plot Overview
Conclave is set within the Vatican, where the story follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) as he leads a papal conclave to elect the new pope. As the cardinals gather and start voting, Lawrence becomes suspicious of the dark secrets and scandals around some of the candidates. The election quickly spirals into a game of power, betrayal, and mystery as the stakes grow higher and the cardinals’ true motives are revealed.
It shows the intricate political games within cardinals who have their personal agenda. With the tension brewing, Lawrence discovers more than simply what separates the cardinals into differing religious practices and creeds; he discovers a mesh of lies, hidden alliances, and secrets that could turn the church upside down. The drama of the film is highly charged, thanks to the intricate workings within the Vatican.
Filming and Locations
Conclave filming was done in Rome. The filmmakers did an incredible job of recreating the iconic spaces of the Vatican. Although the Sistine Chapel set was done to the best of accuracy, the production made some artistic decisions to heighten the dramatic tension in the film. The Domus Sanctae Marthae was shot in a much darker, prison-like style, designed to make the cardinals feel more confined and secretive. The costume designers even drew inspiration from historical clothing; they chose 17th-century vestments for the cardinals’ costumes, giving the film a timeless, classic look.
Release Date and Reception
Conclave premiered on 30 August 2024 at the 51st Telluride Film Festival, where it was welcomed. The film opened in theaters in the United States by Focus Features on 25 October 2024 and in the United Kingdom by Black Bear UK on 29 November 2024. The film did a great business at the box office as it earned $44.6 million at the box office more than the budget of $20 million.
Critics have loved the film for its superb performances, especially from Fiennes, Tucci, and Lithgow, as well as its stunning cinematography and tense, suspenseful direction. The film has garnered several nominations, including six Golden Globe Awards, one of which includes Best Motion Picture – Drama. It has also been chosen as one of the best ten films of 2024 by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
Songs and Music
The score for Conclave is composed by Volker Bertelmann, whose haunting and atmospheric compositions really enhance the tone of the film. The music enhances the themes of secrecy, power, and the intense pressure of the conclave in the film. Though the movie is not driven by a traditional soundtrack, Bertelmann’s score plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for the movie’s dramatic twists.
Final Thoughts
Conclave is a masterly crafted thriller that combines intrigue in religious politics with the suspense of an election. Director Edward Berger, coupled with a great cast and good screenplay, makes the movie both thought-provoking and thrilling. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and the rest of the ensemble cast deliver standout performances that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Conclave is a movie one must watch if only interested in the inner workings of the Vatican and the drama played when power is at hand. Not only does it entertain a mystery but also moral dilemmas and compromises made as a result of holding power over one of the world’s most powerful institutions.
