CONCLAVE (2024)

 

Directed By: Edward Berger

Written By: Peter Straughan 

Based on the book By: Robert Harris 

Cinematography: Stephane Fontaine 

Editor: Nick Emerson 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Brian F. O’Byrne, Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz 

When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.

This film is continually fascinating as it should be about a simple subject, a priest trying to pick who will be the new pope. It becomes more like a political thriller, full of intrigue and double-crosses, as well as its fair share of twists and turns.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen next and the film manages to stay dialogue-heavy but be purely beautiful in a visual sense also.

As you watch all these men of Faith who have different ways of viewing and incorporating the religion they follow and are all supposed to be about the greater good quietly betray not only one another but seem to scheme and believe themselves to be holier than thou.

Some do actually try to keep closer to the religious tax and dogma and quarrel with their faith if anything, the film is identifiable as these men have taken a vow and spreading the word in which they believe, but acknowledge that they are only men and have Their weaknesses, fables and fails, but still try to stay as close as they do what they preach.

The film is not afraid to take on subjects that have plagued the Catholic Church and priests over the years and the way that they have tried to resolve solved deny the charges.

The film has strong and powerful moments and asks if certain things are forgivable for the greater good. It’s not a totally clean movie and has kind of a monkey wrench of an ending it shows there’s not always a clear answer. The film can be enjoyed by people of faith and those who might not.

Everything in this movie is excellent. The acting performances, script, visuals, production design, and costume design now it seem like it would of course be an Oscar because of when it came out but overall it’s just such a powerful film that seems to come out of nowhere that you wouldn’t expect that deals with religion, one of the strongest stay strong and thrilling and a PG-rated film

This is definitely a must-see film. if even you don’t like the subject matter just the masterful craft of filmmaking is something to behold.

A film is best seen on the big screen. 

Grade: A