Directed by Edward Berger, "Conclave" emerges as a intriguing socio-political thriller, providing viewers with a rare glimpse inside the Vatican's cloistered proceedings during the election of a new pope. Following the death of the current pope, the College of Cardinals convenes to elect his successor, showcasing the multifaceted and often ambivalent natures of the congregated cardinals, played remarkably by Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and others.
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, who takes on the role of orchestrator amid the high-stakes process filled with ambition, intrigue, and plenty of backdoor deals. Many viewers, particularly those less invested in Catholicism, might find it challenging to relate to the political maneuverings, yet the film’s depiction of the numerous papal candidates is particularly telling. Each cardinal is revealed to carry their own distinct personas, often portrayed with hefty doses of ambition and self-promotion. For example, Cardinal Bellini, portrayed by Tucci, is characterized as the progressive; Cardinal Adeyemi, played by Lucian Msamati, the staunch conservative; and Cardinal Tedesco, interpreted by Sergio Castellitto, as harbouring outdated views.
Cardinal Tremblay, interpreted by John Lithgow, finds himself ensnared within scandals, embroiled with secrets tied to the late pope. Among them, Cardinal Benitez, played by Carlos Diehz, surprises everyone as the wild card candidate, previously known for his service abroad. These varied characterizations allow viewers to grasp the complex dynamic underpinning the election process at play, honing in on the interactions and alliances or rivalry between the cardinals.
Volker Bertelmann's score complements the film's atmosphere of tension beautifully. Having previously collaborated with Berger on the Oscar-nominated "All Quiet on the Western Front," Bertelmann returns with an ambitious score for "Conclave." He explains, "The film needed something...that creates a sense of spirituality and describes the idealistic idea of the church, or of religion," managing to blend this intention with elements of drama and thrill, emphasizing the tension and secrecy at play.
Bertelmann’s style is evident through the juxtaposition within his score, where beautiful visuals on screen often clash with jarring musical elements, reflecting the film's thematic deep-rooted struggle between idealism and human flaws. He openly discusses utilizing arpeggios to generate tension, explaining how they can bring about rhythmic chaos, enhancing the emotional layers as the cardinals scheme around one another. “Arpeggios are broken chords...just by adjusting triplets or sixteens or by making the tempo faster, you can create tension,” he notes.
Not only did the film attract attention for its performances and scoring, but it also sparked conversations about the realism of its portrayal of the conclave, with critics and viewers intrigued by the politics surrounding the election itself. David Gibson, Director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, offers insights on the film’s authentic portrayal of the cardinals as they campaign for papal selection. According to Gibson, “Some cardinals do campaign, but they need to do it quietly because if you’re seen as ambitious, you’re done.” This commentary bridges the gap between the cinematic representation and actual practices, contributing depth to the viewing experience.
Reflecting on the real-life conclave, Gibson explains the key is having allies who can campaign for you, as the cardinal perceived as the odds-on favorite often becomes the target for reduced support. With multiple frontrunners striving for the papacy, the election's unpredictability becomes part of its allure. This reality exemplifies the intricacies depicted within "Conclave," as alliances and rivalries come to light through compelling storytelling. The cardinals, presented with desires for power yet fraught with fears of perceived ambition, create underlying tensions both on-screen and within the audience's mind.
"Conclave's" deft direction, gripping performances, and Bertelmann's engaging score culminate to serve as more than mere entertainment; rather, it invites viewers to reflect on the consternations, ideologies, and politics inherent within any organizational structure, particularly one as influential as the Catholic Church. It also highlights the moral ambiguities behind choosing church leadership, making it rich ground for discussion.
Despite some criticism pointing to the film's deflation after promising early tension, its overall reception has been favorable. The film captures the imagination through its portrayal of the famously secretive conclave—bringing life to the characters' ambitions, lobbying, and political maneuvering, set against the backdrop of ancient rituals.
Reviews and box office performance reflect this success, with "Conclave" boasting 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its place as one of the standout films of the year. It's certainly among the most engrossing narratives to hit screens, and the craftsmanship behind it—led by Berger—ensures it will linger long after the credits roll.
