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Conclave (2024) is a cerebral, slow-burning thriller set entirely within the walls of the Vatican as cardinals gather to choose a new pope. Directed by Edward Berger and based on the novel by Robert Harris, the film strips away spectacle in favor of psychological tension and power plays, anchored by a quietly magnetic performance from Ralph Fiennes. It’s a film about silence, secrets, and the weight of belief in an age of doubt.
As the white smoke threatens to rise, the real story unfolds not in ballots—but in the whispers between men who believe they're speaking for God.
Plot Summary
Following the sudden death of the pope, 118 cardinals are sequestered within the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor. The process is steeped in tradition, ritual, and secrecy—but as the ballots pile up, so do the secrets. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with overseeing the process, finds himself caught in a web of ambition, ideology, and hidden truths that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.
The film slowly unearths internal divisions, ideological conflicts, and one devastating revelation that changes everything. What begins as a sacred duty turns into a haunting exercise in survival—for both souls and systems.
Character Analysis
Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)
A man of conscience and deep conflict. Fiennes plays Lawrence as an observer caught in the eye of a theological hurricane—quiet, precise, but with moral weight that grows scene by scene.
Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow)
A pragmatist, caught between tradition and reform. Lithgow adds warmth and skepticism in equal measure, making Tremblay a compelling moderate voice.
Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci)
Smooth, savvy, and unapologetically political. Tucci’s portrayal of Bellini is sly without being villainous—his ambition is sharp, not evil.
Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati)
A stoic and dogmatic figure whose rigidity serves as both strength and blind spot. Msamati delivers one of the film’s most commanding presences.
Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini)
A peripheral figure who nonetheless carries symbolic weight. Rossellini plays her with quiet defiance and deep empathy, representing those who are always on the edges of sacred spaces.
Themes and Messages
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Faith and Power | The film interrogates how spiritual authority is wielded—and corrupted—by institutional ambition. |
| Transparency vs. Secrecy | The conclave is built on confidentiality, but this very secrecy threatens its integrity as old sins surface. |
| Tradition and Reform | The film explores the ideological split within the Church between progressives and traditionalists. |
| Moral Compromise | Almost every character must weigh the cost of truth against the preservation of a powerful system. |
Cinematography and Direction
Edward Berger leans heavily into shadows, stillness, and ornate framing. The claustrophobic interiors of the Vatican become a character themselves—timeless, oppressive, and echoing with judgment. Cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine bathes the film in candlelight and silence, letting every whisper feel like thunder.
It's a visual sermon—quiet, composed, and arresting.
Performances
Ralph Fiennes: A masterclass in restraint. Fiennes turns internal conflict into magnetic screen presence. His eyes often say more than his words.
Stanley Tucci: Charismatic and cunning. His Bellini is never over-the-top, but always strategic.
John Lithgow: Brings gentle gravitas to Tremblay, balancing idealism with realism.
Lucian Msamati: His presence is authoritative, his beliefs immovable. He offers a chilling portrayal of conviction turned steel.
Isabella Rossellini: A quiet storm, adding emotional resonance to the political drama with limited screen time.
Critical Reception
Critics have largely praised *Conclave* for its mature, intelligent storytelling and for refusing to turn its narrative into sensational melodrama. It's been compared to *Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy* for the Church. Some have called it slow, but many applaud its confidence in letting tension build in silence.
Controversial Opinions
Some viewers might find the lack of action and over-reliance on dialogue alienating. Others criticize its handling of faith as too cynical, portraying nearly every cardinal as compromised. The film avoids simple moral binaries—and not everyone will enjoy being left with ambiguity.
FAQs
- Is *Conclave* based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional story based on Robert Harris’s novel. However, it is rooted in real Church processes. - Do you have to be Catholic to enjoy the film?
Not at all. It’s more about politics, ideology, and human behavior than religious doctrine. - Is the film entirely set in the Vatican?
Yes, the story takes place within the walls of the conclave, adding to the feeling of tension and confinement. - What is the main tension in the film?
The power struggle over who becomes the next pope—and the secrets that could derail that decision. - Is there music or a score?
Yes, the score is minimalist and haunting, using organ tones and silence as emotional cues. - Is it slow-paced?
Yes, deliberately so. It’s more meditative and intense than action-packed. - Does the film portray the Church negatively?
It offers a critical lens on power dynamics but treats individual faith with nuance. - Is there a central twist?
Yes, and it’s impactful—it reframes the story’s ethical core. - Is it appropriate for general audiences?
Yes, though it's best suited for adult viewers interested in drama and dialogue-driven stories. - Would I enjoy this if I liked *Spotlight* or *The Two Popes*?
Absolutely. It’s a slower burn but lives in the same thoughtful, power-aware universe.