Conclave

‘Conclave’ directed by Edward Berger is marketed as a ‘gripping political thriller’ seeking to put the skullcap into skulduggery. Based on the book by Robert Harris the plotline hangs on the clandestine process of a new pope’s election.
The cinematography is strong, rich in chiaroscuro, capturing the starkness and strangeness of ancient Catholic ceremonies. The same cannot be said of the screenplay, which is weak and dreary – it drags, relying on cliches and deeply unlikeable characters, minus any actual wit. In short, it is less ‘taut political thriller’ and more drooping cassock; it puts the ‘pontification’ into pontiff.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble, including Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow, each portraying cardinals vying for the top gig. Isabella Rossellini earns a shout-out as a credible Sister Agnes and her short scenes are a highlight. Ralph Fiennes takes the lead as the doubting Cardinal Lawrence, who for the most part is convincing, save for the crocodile tears over the dead Pope’s bed. Slice some onions someone.
Enter one enigmatic cardinal from afar (Carlos Diehz,) and the plot thickens; each cardinal casting their secret ballot to elect the new Pope. Set in the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel, the papal conclave is kept in lock down until the winning candidate achieves a majority. Despite the director’s best efforts to build suspense including a ham-fisted soundtrack, nobody cares – not least the audience. This is a pity, given the film’s visual strength. Alas! A lost opportunity for what might have been a stunning thriller.
The film’s denouement will have the WOKE brigade cheering, for those with expertise in politics the outcome lacks both credibility and satisfaction.
My Rating:  You might get time off in purgatory for staying to the end