Edward Berger’s remake of All Quiet on the Western Front snuck up on the Oscar race to become an above-the-line contender, but the same won’t be true with his newest movie, Conclave. This Vatican-set thriller immediately stands out as one of the year’s finest films thanks to a pitch-perfect ensemble, a sharp script, and excellent execution.
Conclave Review
Based on the novel by Robert Harris, Conclave follows the cardinals of the Catholic Church as they convene to elect one of their own as the new Pope following the passing of the current Holy Father. Although this may not seem like a particularly riveting premise for those who are not Catholic, this story is so full of intrigue, backstabbing, and twists and turns that it is not the movie you expect it to be.
Peter Straughan’s script is incredibly gripping. Although it takes around 30 minutes to set up the drama, once we get into the electoral process (and, more importantly, what happens behind the scenes), the film will engage viewers for the entirety of the runtime. You probably never expected to be on the edge of your seat to hear people read names on ballots, but Conclave will have you doing just that.
Although the story takes place in the Vatican, many parallels can be drawn between the conflict happening in the election of the Pope and the election of government leaders — particularly in America. We see the clash between the church’s conservative and progressive camps, with allegiances mirroring the party lines that define the American government. Although it does not offer any solutions to the political divide we face, it does effectively lampoon the absurdity and triviality of what divides us.
Yet, unlike many satires where the events are being used as a metaphor for something else, the character development in Conclave is quite strong. The cardinals aren’t mere caricatures used to convey a political point. Straughan makes them three-dimensional, and the result is a much more effective discourse than simply pointing fingers and labeling one side good and the other bad.
While Straughan’s script is already incredibly strong, it is further accentuated by excellent work from Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) in the director’s chair. Although not entirely effective, that war film proved that Berger had an eye for style and sustained tension. Those talents lend themselves well to Conclave, with gorgeous cinematography from Stéphane Fontaine, a pulse-pounding score by Volker Bergemann (reuniting with Berger after All Quiet on the Western Front), and some astounding costume design.
One would also be remiss if they didn’t mention the terrific ensemble of Conclave. Straughan’s razor-sharp dialogue creates a playground for some of our finest actors to work in. Ralph Fiennes takes the lead as the de facto leader of the election, bringing an energy to the role that somehow feels both frenetic and controlled.
Stanley Tucci’s performance is quite possibly one of the finest examples of what a supporting actor can do in a small but meaningful part. His scenes push the story along and leave a lasting impression, with Tucci’s imposing presence commanding the attention of viewers and the characters he shares the scene with alike.
Other recognizable names in the supporting cast include Isabella Rossellini and John Lithgow, who both have a couple of impactful moments where they really shine. However, the biggest standout in the supporting cast is Sergio Castellitto, whose role is perhaps the most interesting and complex in the entire movie. While his co-stars mostly play it big and exaggerated, Castellitto is quieter and more restrained, providing much-needed calm amid the madness.
Is Conclave worth watching?
Conclave is a very effective film all around. From its script to its performances and below-the-line craftsmanship, everyone involved in making this movie was clearly firing on all cylinders when they created it. Writer Peter Straughan and director Edward Berger have taken a story that could have been incredibly dry and turned it into not just one of the most compelling thrillers of the year but also one of the year’s best pictures as a whole.
Conclave is playing at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, which runs September 5-14.
Conclave TIFF Review — Church-Set Thriller Is One of the Year’s Best
Conclave is a gripping thriller with a story that may seem confined, but is actually a powerful allegory. Thanks to strong crafts and a pitch-perfect ensemble, viewers will be on the edge of their seat the entire time.
