“Conclave” review: Vatican Conspiracies with Oscar Ralph Fiennes

arrives in cinemas Conclavenew political/religious drama Edward Bergerdirector Everything is quiet at the front. On this occasion, the German dares with the novel of the same name Robert Harris and for this he assembles a luxurious cast led by Ralph Fiennes And Stanley Tucci. Since its initial festival screenings, the project has received critical acclaim and has captivated audiences since its US premiere back in October. In fact, its six Golden Globe nominations confirm that it is one of the greatest films of the year and is sure to have people talking at the 2025 Oscars.

Story Conclave It all starts with the death of the Pope. From this moment on, cardinals from all over the world meet in the Vatican to decide who will become the new Holy Father. Cardinal Lawrence He is put in charge of guiding his colleagues during elections. But he will soon discover that each faction of the Church and each candidate have their own goals and will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to achieve them. So, Lawrence immersed in a deep web of conspiracy, lies and dastardly tricks that holds back the entire process.

Continuity in the Vatican

Conclave compared from the first moment with Continuitypopular HBO series. A comparison that actually makes a lot of sense. And both productions feature the same element of conspiracy, with a series of very clearly defined characters carrying out complex and hidden plans. In the series, the ultimate goal was the family business. In the film, the throne of the Catholic Church.

Moreover, the tone is far from what Continuity. There are no glimpses of that black comedy and biting satire in relation to its main characters. That doesn’t mean it’s not fun, because Conclave As things go on, it becomes more and more confusing. His ending is downright crazy. But it’s all about drama, thriller and mystery. This is a film with a sober and serene appearance that actually deeply hides its true ruthless nature.

Criticism of the church, but not of religion, is constant. His clear script clearly delineates the different sides that anyone minimally interested will be able to immediately recognize. On the one hand there are liberals and progressives, on the other there is the most reactionary and conservative faction. And between them there are several people who have no problem marrying this or that commandment if it brings them closer to becoming the new Supreme Pontiff. Capacity Conclave to plunge into the innermost secrets of the Church, which in our world is always intuitive, but never visible, – boldly and accurately.

Huge movie

IN Conclave, Berger fearlessly inherits the virtues of previous church dramas. From name of the rose until, above all, later productions such as The Young Pope / New Pope or Two dadsto give a few examples. The director uses the mystical and gigantic atmosphere created by the Vatican’s premises to make his characters small in comparison to the immensity they symbolize. Memory, guilt, conspiracy… The Holy See keeps everything between its chapels, columns and staircases.

Thanks to these ingredients Berger weaves a devilish web of lies and half-truths that makes Conclave A very interesting and very informative film. Viewers will be seduced by the visual pleasures of the unique location and the interesting thoughts it evokes, until, before they know it, they find themselves trapped in the labyrinth of its hypnotic plot.

The casting is also impeccable. Ralph Fiennes delivers one of the best performances of his career. From being contained, it hides all the thoughts and desires of the protagonist. A great role that could very well finally earn him his first Oscar after losing it the two previous times he was nominated. Every gesture, every look and every monologue elevates the Briton even more. Conclave.

To sum it up, Conclave This is an exciting film. Edward Berger he directs with vigor and truthfulness a complex office thriller, upbeat Ralph Fiennes imperial. The perfect story for fans of the genre and for anyone who wants to be entertained by the mysteries of Machiavellian conspiracies and outright lies. A power play with the physical and psychological barriers that the Vatican places on its protagonists. One of the best premieres of the year.