This Movie IS for:
- People who like to be steeped in drama held together by older male actors with extremely satisfying voices
- Anyone interested in the religious mysticism that goes into picking the next pope
This Movie is NOT for:
- Those looking for action that happens beyond brief cafeteria outbursts
- Sensitive Catholics
A Brief Review With no Spoilers
It’s that time of year, and I’m starting to make my way through the Oscar nominees. Having already seen Wicked (my review), Conclave was the next…logical choice. As I was preparing to watch this film, I discovered something interesting. If it wins, it will be the first PG movie to take home Best Picture since Chariots of Fire in 1981. Even more unique, it would be the first PG movie to do so since the introduction of PG-13 in 1983. How does a political thriller about corrupt priests stay under the 13 age ate? Simple, it handles difficult issues with the quiet austerity of a priest in the Vatican.
Conclave centers around senior members of the Catholic church as they vie for position after the death of The Pope. The word Conclave refers to the period in which the church’s cardinals are sequestered in The Vatican with no outside contact as they vote on who will become the church’s new head. This tight and austere setting makes a wonderful backdrop for tension as powerful religious figures play out schemes to bring themselves to the highest seat of power.
Despite its child-friendly rating, Conclave doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics facing the Catholic church but rather faces them with the quiet austerity of a priest in confession. Scandals are seldom explicitly mentioned—with a few key exceptions—but are whispered about in dark hallways. These tense conversations and a soundtrack of lone, discordant instruments set an ominous mood. If I heard this soundtrack out of context, I would have assumed it was for a horror film. The entire process of the conclave is filled with such dread and menace despite the only action being cardinals subtly scheming against one another.
The picture-perfect cast carries the film’s quiet conflict with the gravitas. Ralph Fiennes is at his best here. His portrayal of Cardinal Lawrence is layered and artfully shows the cracks of someone maintaining a high place of power while also having a crisis of faith. Stanley Tucci is likewise excellent, portraying the liberal wing of a religious organization that is historically anything but. Their character pairings are a delight to watch and both men bring a sense of depth. This is true with every side performance down to nuns who are only in a scene or two. The film feels meticulous.
Overall, I’m surprised I enjoyed Conclave as much as I did. Going in, I knew nothing about how new popes are chosen beyond different colored smoke coming out of a chimney in the Vatican. Some members of the Catholic Church have come out to say the movie is just here to ‘tick every woke box’—god forbid someone depict a radically tolerant head of the church—and they have also mentioned that elements of the political thriller are factually inaccurate. When a process occurs behind locked doors and shuttered windows, I wonder how anyone knows the truth.
But focusing on the process misses the film’s point. Sure, it might be wish casting to see religion evolve a way that represents all of its worshippers, but I could use a bit of that right now. Despite its tension and scheming, the film has a strong sense of hope. It’s a wholly enjoyable watch and I’d recommend it to anyone.
“Religious mystery at its best with a hint of spicy pope.”
This Fall, the crew of Nana’s Hog—everyone’s favorite swine-shaped space vessel—are headed out on a brand new adventure. Pre-orders are live here, and if you can’t wait for a hit of the comedic sci-fi gold, you can read the prequel novella, The First Ambassador to Crustacea, available everywhere books are sold.
Here’s a teaser for the cover of One Night at Kedasi. Damn, that is a fine looking hog ship.
Ashton Macaulay 