Directed by Edward Berger
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Carlos Diehz, Lucian Msamatu, Brían F. O’Byrne, and Isabella Rossellini

“The men who are dangerous are the ones who do want it.”

This is one of many compelling lines of dialogue spoken throughout the engaging and intriguing conspiracy thriller Conclave. This line in particular stands out due to the context applied when spoken and given its timelessness and relevance to the global political landscape in 2025.

Based on a 2016 novel by former journalist Robert Harris, Conclave opens as final prayers are said for the late Pope. He has barely been dead for even an hour before rumours pertaining to the cause of his death begin circulating. This is merely a drop of the flood of hearsay to come! Despite revealing to his brother in Christ and confidante Aldo Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) he recently wanted to resign, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with the responsibility of running the Conclave. Neither of the men wish to be the new Pope, which opens the door furthermore for some of the less liberal Cardinal candidates. Many tip it is time for Joseph Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) to take the reins, but not without an almighty challenge from far-right Italian traditionalist Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto). Or perhaps a conservative from Nigeria, Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamatu) who is gaining popularity by the minute, is set to become the next Pope. As the eve of Conclave approaches, Cardinal Lawrence finds himself having to investigate rumours, reports, and allegations involving almost every candidate.

The untouchably traditional and perpetually privy meeting depicted in this film may not be set within the walls The White House or akin, yet Conclave is pleasingly as political as it gets. Rumours are rife through the halls of the Vatican, so much so, these matured (of biological age only) men of mighty religious stature behave worse than a group of teens during school recess! Their sheer determination to bring another down for the sake of their own path to power is so malicious and battle ready, Cardinal Lawrence ought to relocate the Conclave to the Colosseum! It sure would be a more blood-thirsty and impressive fight than anything we witnessed in Gladiator II recently!

While overall much of Conclave is very well written, acted, and directed, and is certainly entertaining, it isn’t always entirely plausible where it needs to be. I found at least three of its most crucial details testing credibility at best and rather contrived at worst. Further to that, I remain perplexed by precisely what to ascertain from part of the film’s meaning at its conclusion, which I find to be mixed messaging.

Thankfully, two facets that are consistent in this movie is its strong characterisation and the acting performances, especially the superb work by Ralph Fiennes. Whenever Conclave’s imperfections appear, these components of the movie continuously recourse it.

Conclave is showing in cinemas across Australia from January 9th.

Moviedoc thanks Roadshow Films for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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