Conclave

On paper, Conclave should be one of the year's most boring films, though that's a discredit to the novel that I'm sure is exciting. But I've seen a [great] AARP joke around the movie that is about electing a new Pope. 

However, there's mystery surrounding the Cardinals who are vying to be the next Pope...

There's an air of external risk outside the Conclave... 

There's a mysterious "stranger" Cardinal who the Pope appointed in secret...

A potentially boring topic for many becomes quickly riveting in a unique setting with lots of accurate details, and sinister intentions lying underneath. Personally, I find the Catholic church's Vatican and election of the Pope, fascinating. It's tradition that has existed for thousands of years which can't be said of many things these days...not to mention the secrets and mysteries likely hidden in the past. 

Conclave is a story about the election of the next Pope in a 120 Angry Men plot (though with lots more external mystery). It comes from Edward Berger, director of the fantastic, and similarly riveting, All Quiet on the Western Front, and with Conclave he's officially a director on my radar. Though my anticipation was high for Conclave, my expectations were measured and yet...it really just kept pushing past them. 

It's one of the best films of the year, even with the disclaimer that mileage will likely vary based on how interested you are in historic tradition and religious politics. 

From the onset, one of the things that grips you about Conclave the most is the music. This is an insanely good original score (so good, it had me looking up...Zimmer? Goransson?) that is a driving force in this picture. It comes from composer Volker Bertelmann (I see you, dawg). It's one I immediately knew would make the rounds on my writing/work playlist and it propels some of the film's most important scenes with an undeniable energy. Conclave is a perfect example of a film's original score not just complimenting it, but making it outright better. 

12(0) Angry Men

So too are the performances, across the board. Ralph Fiennes is pitch-perfect (and Oscar worthy) as Cardinal Lawrence, who wants to be free of his duties, but due to the death of the Pope, must now host conclave. Stanley Tucci is unsurprisingly memorable too as Cardinal Bellini, the reluctant "liberal" choice. And all others, like John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, and Sergio Castellitto, play each of their Cardinals with a fine-tuned hand, bringing to life the well-written script. What could have been a bunch of boring old men who all feel similar, instead feels like a diverse community of Cardinals, trying to make their church's hardest decision. The story unfolds masterfully - only losing steam in a handful of moments - and the mystery blended with longstanding tradition, force a compelling narrative. 

Beyond all of that...Conclave is just a damn well made film. Edward Berger has assembled an A+ team and I hope he continues to partner with them in future installments. Cinematography is perfect throughout, offering some of the year's most striking visuals. Editing is crisp. Framing and direction are outstanding. Much like he showed with All Quiet on the Western Front, he's got a keen eye and is a director on the rise. 

Conclave is a film that may grow on me before the end of the year. It's original score joining my playlists will keep it top of mind, and honestly it has very little to fault. It concludes with a predictable "twist" that's a bit of a false flag because the real twist is revealed mere moments later. It took me off guard, but it's one that forces important questions. And while the destination is a shocker, the journey is quite the ride too. Within the first 10 minutes, Conclave had me in the palm of its hand, and it rarely let loose its grip. 2024's Top 10 list gets that much harder...

CONS

• Truthfully, I wish the original score had been used even more
• For others to consider: mileage will vary depending on your interest in religious politics
• Loses steam at a couple moments in the middle. Feels slightly to long by 5-10 minutes
• I wish certain narrative threads would have been tied up

PROS

• A pulsing original score that drives this narrative forward in its most important scenes
• Ralph Fiennes is on-fire in this. Subtle in many ways, but so good
• Other performances are all talented at making these characters unique, when they could have blended together
• Story is highly interesting not only given the tradition, but also the intrigue and mystery that unfolds. It had me on the edge of my seat often
• Some of the year's best cinematography
• Edward Berger is a director on the rise. There's a clear vision here and the film is technically very well done
• Ends on a challenging twist after a clever "predictable" one
• Example of a film that is firing on all cylinders almost the entire time

Rath's Review Score | 9/10