Title – Conclave (2024) 

Director – Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)

Cast – Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Isabella Rossellini

Plot – Following the unexpected death of their current pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) must help oversee the appointment of the new esteemed leader of the Catholic Church, a task made all the more complicated by a series of events that threaten the very fabric of the faith Lawrence has dedicated so much time and effort towards. 

“I am what God made me”

Review by Eddie on 13/01/2025

Following up from his unexpectedly great Netflix release of classic war tale All Quiet on the Western Front, director Edward Berger returns with the equally surprising religious thriller Conclave, one of 2024’s low-key success stories that acts as a further chance for screen legend Ralph Fiennes to showcase his elite screen presence. 

An adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel of the same name, Conclave is an against the odds white knuckle thriller that explores Fiennes devout Catholic Cardinal Lawrence helping lead the church through the secretive conclave process, where the current members of the church hierarchy seek to appoint their new esteemed leader, bought on by the unexpected death of their prior leader. 

It doesn’t particularly sound like a premise or concept that is going to have a broad appeal to those outside of the Catholic/religious scene but thanks to Berger’s expert direction, a collection of fantastic acting, some stunning technically prowess and an awards worthy score from past Oscar winner Volker Bertelmann, Conclave is an all-round package that never rests on its laurels, right up until un unforgettable finale that is sure to go down as one of 2024’s most talked-about. 

Moving at a consistent but never rushed pace and frequently throwing more and more intriguing elements and subtexts to Lawrence’s increasingly complicated task that will test his faith and understanding like never before, Conclave is a high-class page turner of a film that does great work with often very little, whether it be a character remark or stunning imagery such as a group of umbrella holding priests making their way through a rain soaked courtyard, there’s always something engaging coming our way, the perfect aside to masterful acting work. 

Surrounded by the ever-present goodness that comes from the likes of screen legends such as Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow or a scene stealing Isabella Rossellini (who gets to come away with the films best dialogue), Conclave remains at all times the Fiennes show who is as good as he’s been in years as the layered and considered Cardinal Lawrence. 

A man who’s intentions and convictions aren’t always crystal clear to us the viewers, Fiennes expertly manicured performance works hand in hand with Berger’s directional prowess to ensure that Conclave is a feast for not only the senses but the mind, a miracle for a film that on paper would appear to be nothing more than a po-faced awards chaser. 

Final Say – 

Unquestionably one of 2024’s most well-rounded and masterful thrillers that comes from the most unlikely of places, Conclave is a treat for cinema casuals and diehards alike and a new feather in the already well-adorned acting cap of screen legend Ralph Fiennes. 

4 ballot votes out of 5