Based on the book of the same name by Robert Harris Conclave is directed by Edward Berger and stars Ralph Fiennes in the main role with support from a host of strong actors including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini.

The pope has died and cardinals from around the world gather in the Vatican to decide who will be his successor. Cardinal Thomas Laurence (Fiennes) is given the task of organising it. When Pope John Paul II died the only glimpse the public had of the decision-making process within the conclave was the black and white smoke emitting from a chimney. But have you ever wondered what went on behind the closed doors to come to those decisions? Conclave brings you right into this secretive world.

The shutters come down and the doors are bolted shut to the outside world, concealing the cardinals within. It’s not simply a matter of faith, but more an election campaign. The bureaucracy, the politics, the debates, the dirty dealings and ritualistic nature of voting for a new pope is on display. Who is supporting who, who’s allegiances are sealed or swayed, who are showing their cards and who are hiding them to play them later. You will continually begin to question who the good guys are and who are the bad guys and who is simply in-between.

With a terrific commanding performance from Ralph Fiennes in the main role and supported by a top tier ensemble cast I expect Fiennes will get his third Oscar nomination for his role as Cardinal Laurence. I also think Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini deserves to be recognised for supporting actor and there may even be an Oscar nod for Isabella Rossellini with her performance as the conflicted Sister Agnes.

The amazing cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine and the powerful soundtrack by Volker Bertelmann elevates the film to another level. The cinematography emphasises the dark corridors and clinical like chambers the cardinals return to each night to reflect and contemplate their next move. And when it moves to the Cathedral for the ritualistic voting, the cinematography highlights the vast inside of the building with its unsettling murals starring down at the cardinals judging their conscience as they vote. Conclave has one of the best uses of sound design I’ve experienced watching a thriller. The ominous sound and music creates an immersive effect for the audience and leaves you continuously on edge as to what will happen next.

Conclave is a tense, thrilling film with an amazing ensemble of actors and a twist that will make you gasp. For me Conclave along with The Substance are my two favourite films of the year. There is no doubt they both will be strong Oscar contenders across the board and likely winners.

Out in Irish Cinemas Nationwide on November 29th

  • Directed by: Edward Berger
  • Written by: Peter Straughan and Robert Harris
  • Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini
  • Running Time: 2 hrs.
  • Released: Oct. 25th, 20204 (US) | Nov. 29th, 2024 (IE & UK)
  • Rated: PG

Review by Claire Millane, a Dublin based actor and comedian. Follow on YouTube at COMEDYBreakz

Conclave Trailer

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