Just got out of the latest Oscar contender to hit theaters in Conclave, what did I think? Let’s answer the questions you need to know!
What is the film about?
Conclave follows Ralph Fiennes as Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals that is responsible for selecting the new pope after the previous pope has died of a heart attack. It follows the traditions and processes of making that selection, the politicking that goes on amongst the cardinals and the struggles with faith, even among the highest ranking officials within the church.
What worked in the film?
I thought the acting performances were all very good in this film, from both the big names and the lesser known ones. The cinematography was on point.
What didn’t work in the film?
The plot itself seemed a little rushed at the end. When you have a political thriller, you have to have the build up and the fallout from whatever the climax is and the ending was rushed to where the climax didn’t have enough of it’s own stage. It seems like the film changed course once it got to the final act, there is one set piece that just kind of randomly happens and I would have liked to have seem more of it.
What stood out the most?
Without a doubt, Ralph Fiennes. He has portrayed a lot of great roles in the past – nominated for an Oscar for Amon Goth (Schindler’s List) and Almasy (The English Patient) as well as more blockbuster roles such as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and M in the latter Daniel Craig Bond movies. This will likely get him a third Oscar nomination and may just be enough to get him a win finally.
You’ll like this if you liked…
Not a movie, but there is a Succession vibe to it. Movies I’d put with it would be something like The Two Popes, Angels & Demons, Doubt, or on the more political side, something like The Ides of March.
Recommend?
Absolutely. If you don’t like subtitles, about 40% of the film is in a foreign language between Italian, Spanish, Latin and other languages since the cardinals are from all areas of the world.
Final Score – 4.5/5
