Movie Review

Movie: Conclave (2024)
Main Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci
Director: Edward Berger
Based on the book Conclave by Robert Harris

Story
The Pope is dead; the cardinals from all over the world come together in the Vatican to select the new one. But not everything is as it is supposed to be. Ambitions, intrigues, and lies come to light, making the difficult task of Cardinal Lawrence, the head of the election, more and more a question of conscience.

My Opinion
Some might think this movie is a boring one about the outdated institution of the church. Others might agree with many websites that call the movie a thriller. I can't agree with any of this.

The movie is not a thriller, nor is it boring. It takes place in the Vatican and tells about the process of the Pope's election. I admit here that I don't know enough about it to say how accurately this is shown - some resources I checked after watching the movie say that it is close but not strictly authentic.

It doesn't make a difference to me because I am aware that Conclave is a movie, not a documentary. The movie lives from the different characters coming together in the Vatican. There are some gripping twists and some interesting minor characters (have an eye on Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes). Real problems, the church has to deal with today, are mentioned but not discussed widely.

There is one scene (the explosion) that I would call superfluous because here the movie tries to create a kind of tension that is actually not necessary. And there is the surprising end of the movie. No, I don't want to spoil here, but I will admit, I can understand that opinions differ about it.

My Resume
Maybe it is not necessary to watch Conclave in the cinema because there are no fantastic effects that work so much better on a big screen. But if you feel ready for an interesting movie away from action, comedy, superheroes, and spaceships, I suggest giving it a try one day.


(Fannish 50 - post 4)