Conclave (2024)

It’s more than a little frustrating when a film seemingly has all of the elements needed to make it work except the one that’s most crucial, the one that enables a production to brilliantly succeed or doom it to failure – the story. Such is the case with director Edward Berger’s latest, the much-anticipated, much-celebrated drama about the convening of a papal conclave to select a new pope. From a technical standpoint, the filmmaker has pulled together everything that should make this an epic picture – a gorgeous production design, stunning and inventive cinematography, and a stellar cast feat…

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/conclave-review-a-riveting-vatican-thriller-destined-for-year-end-accolades/ "Conclave surpasses expectations for a mystery-thriller set in the Vatican's inner sanctum. It's a focused exploration of characters shaped by religious convictions and personal ambitions, offering a fascinating reflection on morality, faith, and power. Edward Berger's technically flawless direction guides a brilliant cast through a narrative that never underestimates the viewer's intelligence. Peter Straughan's screenplay tackles universal themes of cor…

r96sk

8.0

Nov 29, 2024

<em>'Conclave'</em> has a lot to enjoy about it, even if it is slightly overlong. The performances are its biggest strength, which is an element that is critical to get correct for talky films like this - and thankfully this one does get it right. Ralph Fiennes is terrific, you know what you're going to get from Fiennes and I mean that entirely positively. John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati and Sergio Castellitto merit praise too. I love the score, while the cinematography is splendid. The story is very watchable, even for someone like me who has zero interest in religion. I wil…