Conclave brings a cinematic wonder in the process of selecting a new Pope at the Vatican, the most secretive process there. It’s not a standard whodunit, but a tale put together like one: all politics, secret motives, and revelations in the final act. Still, the film holds you, through tension and a sense of reverence for the subject matter, despite being maybe a bit slow.
From an aesthetic perspective alone, Conclave is breathtaking. Each scene in this film is a masterfully crafted work of art, each set design capturing the beauty of the Vatican. Costumes and sets are so beautiful that they could be considered moving works of art, almost in the manner that every shot is worthy of being framed and hung on a wall. For lovers of great cinematography, it is a must see.
Performances are great all around, but Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci give arguably some of the best performances of their careers. They anchor the film in a powerful fashion, as the supporting cast rises to meet them with some very strong performances. Even the small parts in the film feel well-thought-out to make this cast of actors whole and realistic.
I am not one for heavy political dramas, so it would surprise me how engrossing this storyline would prove. The twists and character-driven moments come with enough frequency to keep things interesting right through to the final reveal. Perhaps a little implausible in places, the core of this movie is about faith, ambition, and a tightrope these cardinals have to balance.
Not perfect and some sections may drag a bit when one would expect a much more explosive thriller-but the beautiful visuals, great acting, and suspenseful atmosphere make this a pretty memorable watch. If you like your dramas thought-provoking and visually appealing, then you won’t be disappointed.
