Studio: FilmNation Entertainment, Indian Paintbrush & House Productions
Distributed by: Black Bear (UK)
Dir: Edward Berger
Review written by Robbie Fleming
Edward Berger returns to the big screen after his fantastic and award winning effort with All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) with his follow-up film, Conclave. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, Conclave follows a Cardinal who uncovers secrets about the other cardinals while organizing a papal conclave to elect the next pope.
The story is intriguing as it shows you how the pope is chosen, educating viewers on the system, and revealing how everyone has skeletons in their closets. We follow Fiennes’ character as he uncovers these secrets about his fellow cardinals, who are all vying for the position of pope. To be fair, he’s an interesting protagonist and the only character I personally found relatable.
Ralph Fiennes delivers a brilliant performance as our protagonist, driving the film forward. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini also give great performances in their supporting roles, with Gangs of London’s Lucian Msamati providing a memorable performance in his small role.
The cinematography is my favorite aspect of the film, showcasing breathtaking shots that make you want to say, “Wow,” every time you see them on screen. The score, composed by Volker Bertelmann, elevates the film’s tone, adding tension as you uncover the controversial secrets of the cardinals.
While I still think All Quiet on the Western Front is a better film, Conclave is another hit for Berger that highlights his talent as a director. The storytelling, visuals, score, and performances demonstrate his strengths, and he’s slowly becoming one of my favorite modern directors.
Though I didn’t completely love the film, as there were moments that felt a bit slow, I still think it’s a strong drama worth checking out. I give Conclave a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and a 9/10.
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