Conclave (2024)

"My Brother, what do you know about war?"

​Conclave's first scene shows us the procedure of now dead Pope's body being bagged, put in an ambulance, and driven off down a bumpy road. It's all very - normal. You'd think the Pope would get some special treatment but he doesn't.  This is the first way Conclave humanizes the high level catholic elders, the cardinals, whom this film is all about. It's easy to forget that behind the pomp and circumstance these are just people, and the entertainment value stems deeply from the behind-the-scenes lens of a process shrouded in mystery. We come to understand the motives, manipulation, and meaning behind the fancy clothes and it's all performed by a wonderful cast working with a finely tuned script. I was instantly gripped by Ralph Fiennes who perhaps gives his career best as Cardinal Lawrence - the dean of the College of Cardinals and close friend of the recently deceased pope. He struggles to preside over the Conclave as dark ambitions are brought to light, while also struggling with his own faith and doubts. Alongside Fiennes is a powerhouse cast and all deserve recognition. The movies cinematics are also gorgeously understated. Its easy to miss all the craftmanship this film employs while sucked into it's thrilling story. To cap it all off this movie released right before the 24' election and the parallels of the political wars being waged hit home for me down to the films final twist.

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