Conclave (2024) - 6/10

I don't often seek out religious based movies but figured I would give Conclave a shot considering the initial wave of praise it garnered.  I wasn't necessarily disappointed in this film, but definitely seem to be missing some of the hype. Let's jump in.

1. Acting 

 One of the main strengths of the film is definitely its acting. Ralph Fiennes serves as the main point of focus for the movie and is surrounded by a talented supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Serio Castellitto and many more. The script doesn't call for any extravagance in approaches, rather relies on the talented cast to have refinement and nuance to see the characters.

2. Cinematography 

The other main strength of the film is its composition. The colors are distinct and the contrasting shades of black, red and white make the world seem somewhat otherworldly. The stand-ins and recreations of the Vatican and Papal conclave also make for excellent backdrops. 

Moreover, the lighting is used with great effect. During the more mystery centered moments the film relies on shadows and dark landscapes to sell the tone. In the more 'political intrigue' moments of the film the lighting starts bright and progressively moves to a more gloomy look as the conclave drags on. 

3. Production/Costume Design

 The team did a lot of work to re-create the environments that would be used in the actual Vatican. The Sistine Chapel set in particular looks wonderful. In a similar respect, while the costumes are re-creations of the real world wardrobes of Vatican's occupants, the execution is well done.

 4. Writing 

The writing for this film is interesting. I like the 'feel' its going for - grounded thriller/mystery centered around a mostly mysterious real world event. Most people, even devout Catholics, are unfamiliar with the actual machinations that occur inside the Vatican - and even moreso, the politics within the somewhat reclusive group of theists. So in that respect, I feel like the film succeeds at providing a realistic, but obviously fictional, insight into deciding a new Pope. 

With that said, I wasn't overly engrossed by the drama that occurs within the proceedings. It seemed to want to tap into a Game of Thrones type of political maneuvering, but isn't willing to unground itself for the sake of sensationalism. The result is like watching a dramatized version of C-SPAN.  

As for the ending - it seems to have caused minor stirs among the more religious viewers. The decision for the new Pope to be secretly intersex is an interesting twist. Was the goal to be sensational? Was the goal to be progressive? Was that a payoff that was even being built to or necessary? I really am not sure. I imagine for those that pay more attention to the upper echelons of Catholicism, the film likely parallels the church's more recent aligning with liberal/progressive values.

5. Sound Design 

 I actually enjoyed Volker Bertelmann's original score quite a bit. The approach seems to lean heavily on quick string flourishes and electronic elements to heighten tension with the scenes. Ultimately, its mostly restrained with moments of flash, much like what is playing out on screen.

6. Editing

 The film drags at times and the voting scenes in particular lost my attention. However, I think this was mostly the fault of the script vice the edit.

 7. Visual Effects 

 Nothing to note

8. Originality or Strength of Adaptation 

Having read up on the book a bit, this adaptation seems very faithful to its source. However, the movie suffers from not having the bandwidth to explore the context of the world and deeper nuances of the characters. In hearing recaps of the book, the novel has more time to explore how the death of a progressive Pope within the greater context of rising anti-muslim sentiment and extremist actions would effect the proceedings within the conclave. The 'twist' ending also seems like an easier sell for a novel that can explore more of the inner thought processes of Cardinal Lawrence progressivism when confronted with the reality of an intersex Pope.

9. Stunt Coordination 

Nothing to note. 

10. Direction 

 Edward Berger created a well composed film that deals with intriguing premises. I just am more enamored with the parts vice the whole. 

Legacy/Final Thoughts

I have many thoughts on religion and the church that I will just go ahead and keep to myself. Nevertheless, I found the film interesting and it has some bright spots that I enjoyed. Ultimately though, I fail to see why the reception for the film was so strong. This felt like an Oscar-bait movie that had tremendous potential but not enough follow through. Perhaps I am just to far removed from the subject matter to find it as compelling as others seemingly did.