I figured with the new fancy forum format, it was only appropriate to class up the title of these threads. Then I remembered this is the LR, so I’ll just go back to “Movie Review” for the next one.
The Pope has died, and the task of convening the Conclave to choose a successor has fallen to Cardinal Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Lawrence finds himself embroiled in politics and intrigue, balancing his own duty to the Church, his personal conscience, and his failing faith. As factions maneuver and battlefield lines are drawn, Lawrence learns exactly what it means to be a modern man of God as he attempts to navigate an ever-deepening maze of secrets that may shake the very foundations of the Catholic Church.
Conclave is very good. Nicely shot and written, it’s a well paced, albeit somewhat predictable, thriller with excellent performances from a roster of star actors. While it’s not going to blow your socks off with a shocking twist or never-before-seen plot device, it manages to do a good job of keeping the tension fairly high. The process of electing a new Pope offers the opportunity to cast a light on the fallibility and ambition that can tempt the men who are supposed to have the best interests of their congregants foremost in mind, but I didn’t feel like it was a movie about bashing the Church. Set almost entirely within the walls of the Vatican, there is exceptional scenery and costuming to ground the story and characters. The movie hinges on the performances of its cast, led by Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and a number of others you’ll recognize. Fiennes in particular, carries a heavy load as the main protagonist, and puts in an excellent performance.
Conclave is rated PG, but kids just won’t get or be interested in the themes and plot. If you’re tired of superheroes, cartoons, and corporatized “entertainment content,” and are looking for an adult movie; Conclave is a good bet.