Church, Conspiracy, and Conclave

Release Date：Oct/24/2024

Genre：Conspiracy Thriller/Drama/Thriller

Director：Edward Berger

Cast：Ralph Fiennes、Stanley Tucci、John Lithgow、Lucian Msamati、Jacek Koman、Bruno Novelli

Viola's Rating：8.4

As the Academy Awards wrapped up on March 2, 2025, the eight-category nominee Conclave took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. This political thriller, which premiered in the US on October 24, 2024, kept audiences on the edge of their seats for two gripping hours.

Based on Robert Harris' 2016 novel of the same name, this fictional conspiracy thriller follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is tasked with overseeing one of the world’s most ancient and secretive events: the selection of a new Pope. As he navigates the process, he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies and intrigue that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.

With its backdrop of an election and a setting within the church, Conclave revolves around a seemingly dry topic—especially since electing a new Pope can be a long and arduous process, requiring a supermajority vote. The feature film depicts multiple rounds of voting, reminiscent of 12 Angry Men, where consensus decision-making drives the narrative. Although the plot is filled with unexpected twists, maintaining excitement and mystery requires an expertly adapted screenplay—something Conclave executes masterfully.

Beyond its captivating storytelling, Conclave excels in its production design. In brighter scenes, shadows carry hidden meanings, while in darker moments, golden sunlight strategically illuminates key highlights. The film’s cinematography and composition are stunning, with beautifully crafted shots that elevate the visual experience. The editing is tightly paced, keeping moviegoers engaged and eager to see what happens next. The use of color is also striking—cardinals' red cassocks sharply contrast with the stark black-and-white interiors of the church, creating a visually compelling ambiance.

Even though Conclave is centered around a religious gathering, where there are people, there is politics. Voting itself is inherently political, and when each cardinal champions their preferred candidate, the gathering becomes a battlefield of influence and persuasion. As one character, Bellini (Stanley Tucci), remarks in the trailer, “No sane man would want the papacy.” Indeed, becoming Pope carries immense responsibility, requiring unwavering dedication no matter the challenges facing the Catholic Church. Yet, for the cardinals, it remains their solemn duty to cast their votes for the candidate they deem most worthy—making this a story of power and politics at its core.

As the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Ralph Fiennes’ character bears the weight of overseeing the papal selection. His brilliant portrayal of ambition, anxiety, morality and pressure earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Conclave is an outstanding flick in its own right, but Fiennes’ performance elevates the experience, making it even more compelling and complete.

Picture Credit: IMDb