Conclave Review: Strong Cast, Powerful Story
Streaming Movie Review - Peacock - Thriller/Drama
The election of a new pope is a rare and, therefore, somewhat mysterious process. In Edward Berger’s film Conclave, we are given a fictional look at the election of a new Holy Father and the drama and intrigue surrounding that decision. This awards front-runner is streaming on Peacock.
When the Pope dies in his chambers, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) realizes that they must choose a new leader of the Catholic Church, and as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, he must oversee the process. Leaders from all across the globe come to elect a new Pope; some are simply there to do their duty, and some have aspirations of becoming the next man in charge. There is some push and pull between the more conservative branch, led by Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), and a more progressive group, championed by the African Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati).
As intrigue and scandal plague the decision-making, Cardinals Tremblay (John Lithgow) and Bellini (Stanley Tucci) work to bring about what they desire. Even Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) offers her input, sharing what this all means as a woman in the Catholic Church. All of this is under Lawrence's watchful and somewhat nervous eye as he processes his own doubts about faith through the election.
At its center, Conclave is a political thriller. The election of a religious figure certainly has elements that are outside of our regular political discourse, but as this film shows, it is still a choice between tradition and progress. It is still a process that can be derailed by scandal. And it is a position often sought by people with personal ambitions that don’t always translate to wanting the best for the institution.
The cast of this movie is stellar, top to bottom. Sometimes, when a film has so many powerhouse performers in it, there can be a fight for attention. The actors in Conclave all show just the right amount of restraint to allow each performer time to shine, giving the viewer an absolute feast to indulge in. That said, each moment is orchestrated beautifully by Fiennes, who provides a guiding hand, not just for the papal conclave but for the film itself.
In addition to an exceptional cast, Conclave hits on a number of impressive themes. The position of women in the church. The desire for power and acclaim, even as one is supposed to be entering this position as a servant. The push and pull between tradition and progress. The issue of doubt in the life of the devout. Each of these is presented with thoughtfulness and care, allowing the film to hold your attention through its two-hour run time.
Two topics that have traditionally been verboten in polite society are religion and politics. Seeing the two so powerfully combined in Conclave makes it a unique and beautiful watching experience. And the hope that exists at the end of the film is a reminder that even when we’re not sure where things are going, people can choose goodness.
This review originally appeared in The Dominion Post on January 11, 2025.
Good review -- I was surprised how ENTERTAINING this movie was. I expected a stuffy movie of ideas and got, as you say, a political thriller. I also really enjoyed the peek inside these cloistered deliberations and the sometimes funny juxtaposition between past and present, as when they perform these ancient rituals and then take the shuttle bus back to the dorms!