Conclave film review - thought provoking, intriguing and twist-driven
The new Ralph Fiennes film, Conclave - where choosing a new pope is filled with scandal and secrets.
The new Ralph Fiennes film, Conclave - where choosing a new pope is filled with scandal and secrets.
The ceremonial choosing of a new pope might seem like a sombre affair, but this juicy thriller is quite the papal page-turner. Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, who’s tasked with running the conclave in Rome that decides on a new pope.
The leader of the Catholic Church has died suddenly, and potential candidates are furtively campaigning to take his place. The most powerful leaders in the church gather in the Vatican halls to vote on the process.
Front runners include Cardinals Bellini (Stanley Tucci) of the Vatican, Trembley of Montreal (John Lithgow), Tedesco of Venice (Sergio Castellitto) and Adeyemi of Nigeria (Lucian Msamati).
A gripping political thriller is set in motion: this is a world of whispers in corridors, secrets and potential scandals. As he debates whether to investigate each rumour, Cardinal Lawrence starts to question everything.
Based on the novel by Robert Harris (Enigma) and scripted by Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), it’s directed by Edward Berger, who helmed All Quiet on the Western Front in 2022.
Thought-provoking, intriguing and twist-driven, Conclave is blessed with a brilliant cast and a complex, sympathetic lead: Fiennes is terrific as the calm, relatively liberal protagonist; Tucci, Lithgow and Msamati have fun peeling back the layers of their characters. There’s humour too.
The movie has more in common with TV’s The West Wing than it does with many a religious film. And it’s not all about men, either: watch out for a witty turn from Isabella Rossellini as an inscrutable nun.
This year, Saga is celebrating an incredible 75 years – and we’d love you to be part of the celebrations. For a limited time only, you can subscribe to Saga Magazine for just 75p an issue.
Receive the next 6 print editions delivered direct to your door, plus 6 months’ unlimited access to the Saga Magazine app – perfect for reading on the go.
Dame Prue Leith talks about her secret to staying young and why she’s finally slowing down at 86.
TV’s Dr Hilary Jones on why he wants sweeping reform to modern healthcare.
The actor bids farewell to Downton and looks forward to his starring role in a new West End show.
The TV historian on overcoming a difficult childhood and what it was like to appear on Celebrity Traitors.
The wildlife filmmaker on his close call with a polar bear and why hanging out with lions is less scary than driving in the UK.
The Irish author, 62, on escaping the news through writing, staying sober and scrolling the internet for pretty things.
The actress opens up to Jenni Murray on Saga's podcast Experience is Everything.
