Few religious traditions are as mystifying and globally significant as the election of a new Pope. The Vatican’s conclave is a cloistered, centuries-old ritual, shrouded in secrecy and steeped in both divine faith and human politics. Conclave brilliantly peels back the curtain, offering an intimate, suspenseful look at the hidden machinations of the Catholic Church, balancing reverence with critique.
🚨 Spoiler Warning: This review discusses key plot details, including the film’s central mystery.
A Tasteful and Meticulous Production
What immediately stands out in Conclave is its commitment to detail. The film is crafted with incredible taste and precision, elevating every aspect of the production:
🎥 Cinematography: Carefully composed shots mirror the solemnity of the conclave, creating a sense of isolation and grandeur.
👕 Wardrobe & Art Direction: Every cassock, gilded ornament, and candlelit corridor feels authentic, showing a level of care that is rare even in big-budget films.
🎶 Score & Atmosphere: The tension is amplified by a restrained yet powerful score, reflecting the high stakes of the papal election.
Director Edward Berger (known for All Quiet on the Western Front) handles the material with remarkable restraint, letting the intrigue unfold naturally rather than over-dramatizing. The result is a film that feels deeply immersive, bringing viewers into a world of faith, secrecy, and political maneuvering.
The Power Struggles: A Gripping Political Thriller
Beyond its religious themes, Conclave is, at its heart, a political thriller. The film thrives on the interpersonal and ideological battles between the cardinals, each vying for power while presenting themselves as humble servants of God.
🔹 The film doesn’t take sides, allowing the audience to interpret the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise.
🔹 Tension builds gradually, keeping viewers on edge as secrets and allegiances shift within the sacred halls of the Vatican.
🔹 It serves both as a critique and an education, revealing the rituals, traditions, and political undercurrents of the Catholic Church without being exploitative.
For anyone fascinated by power, faith, and secrecy, Conclave offers a compelling, slow-burn experience that keeps you invested from start to finish.
A Predictable Twist in Hollywood’s Current Climate
For all its strengths, Conclave stumbles slightly in its big reveal—not because the twist itself is inherently flawed, but because Hollywood’s storytelling priorities have become too predictable.
🔹 The introduction of the mysterious androgynous priest immediately raises red flags. Their late arrival and conspicuous aura set them up for a significant twist.
🔹 By the halfway point, the “surprise” felt inevitable, given the industry’s current emphasis on sexuality and gender identity in narratives.
🔹 This predictability weakens the film’s final act, making what should have been a shocking moment feel formulaicrather than revelatory.
While the film navigates the topic with care, the telegraphed nature of the reveal somewhat undercuts its impact. That said, the journey remains engaging, even if the destination is obvious.
Stellar Performances Elevate the Film
The acting in Conclave is nothing short of spectacular.
🎭 Stanley Tucci delivers yet another chameleonic performance, disappearing into his role with quiet intensity.
🎭 John Lithgow is, as always, captivating, effortlessly balancing gravitas with an undercurrent of emotional complexity.
🎭 The entire ensemble cast brings an air of authenticity, making the internal Vatican drama feel weighty and real.
(On a personal note, it’s nearly impossible for me to separate Lithgow’s voice from his character in Third Rock from the Sun—which was a little distracting, but that’s my issue, not the film’s!)
Final Verdict: A Well-Deserved Oscar Contender
Despite a somewhat predictable conclusion, Conclave remains an incredibly well-crafted film, balancing faith, politics, and human ambition with grace and intelligence. It’s a rare cinematic experience that respects both the beauty and the contradictions of the institution it portrays.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Conclave is a masterclass in atmosphere, tension, and storytelling, proving that a film doesn’t need fast-paced action or spectacle to hold an audience in rapt attention.
🏆 Oscar Chances: A well-deserved nomination—and I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes home the statue.
🎬 Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)