Conclave Movie Review: A Gripping Drama of Faith, Power, and Tradition

Conclave (2024) delivers a compelling look into the Vatican’s secretive election process, led by Ralph Fiennes’ masterful performance. Read our in-depth review.

A Sacred Battle for Power: Conclave Unveils the Secrets of the Vatican

The Vatican’s grandeur has long stood as a testament to faith, power, and the weight of tradition. Conclave, adapted from Richard Harris’s bestselling novel, peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding one of the world’s most exclusive elections—the selection of a new Pope. Directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto, the film takes audiences into the heart of the papal conclave, blending intrigue, politics, and spirituality in a tense, slow-burning drama.

A Story Rooted in Ceremony and Suspicion

The film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who is tasked with overseeing the election of the next Pope following the sudden death of the previous Holy Father. With the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, Lawrence finds himself caught in a storm of political maneuvering, ideological clashes, and personal doubts about the Church’s future.

As the cardinals gather in secrecy, rivalries surface. Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) represents the conservative faction, eager to reverse the late Pope’s progressive reforms. Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) is ambitious but overtly power-hungry, while Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) stands poised to make history as the first African Pope. Meanwhile, Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) emerges as a beacon of modernity and reform, subtly favored by Lawrence, though he claims to harbor no personal ambitions.

This delicate balance of power is soon disrupted by revelations and whispers of scandal that threaten to shake the very foundations of the Vatican. As the suspense builds, the film masterfully explores the human side of these revered figures—men grappling with duty, doubt, and the weight of their decisions.

Ralph Fiennes Shines in a Performance Steeped in Nuance

Fiennes delivers a commanding performance as Cardinal Lawrence, a man tormented by his devotion to the Church yet questioning its rigidity. His portrayal is measured, never exaggerated, yet deeply emotive. With each passing scene, we witness the internal conflict within Lawrence as he seeks guidance in a world where divine will and human ambition collide.

The supporting cast adds layers of complexity. Tucci’s Bellini is the perfect counterpoint to Castellitto’s staunchly traditional Tedesco. Lithgow brings both wit and menace to Tremblay’s ambitions, while Msamati’s Adeyemi adds an essential global perspective to the debate over the Church’s future.

A Visual and Symbolic Masterpiece

From the grand halls of the Vatican to the shadowed corners of its clandestine meetings, Conclave is a visually stunning film. The cinematography captures the tension within the Sistine Chapel’s walls, playing with light and shadow to reflect the moral dilemmas at hand. Subtle but deliberate imagery—such as a beam of sunlight breaking through stained glass or the rustling of robes in a moment of decision—adds an air of divine intervention, or perhaps coincidence, further blurring the lines between faith and fate.

Theological Tension: Faith vs. Doubt

One of the most striking moments in the film comes from a speech by Lawrence: “Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance. Even Christ was not certain at the end… Our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt.”

These words encapsulate the film’s core message—that faith is not about unshakable conviction but rather the ability to navigate uncertainty. However, while the film flirts with profound philosophical debates, it ultimately treads carefully, never fully challenging the institution it portrays. The climactic revelation that could have deepened the mystery feels resolved too neatly, leaving some narrative potential untapped.

Verdict: A Thoughtful but Restrained Drama

Conclave succeeds as an intelligent, well-acted drama that immerses viewers in the Vatican’s secretive world. However, its adherence to predictability and reluctance to push deeper into controversy slightly weaken its impact. While it does not reinvent the political thriller genre, the film delivers a gripping portrayal of power, faith, and human frailty.

Final Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Conclave is an elegant yet safe exploration of faith and power, bolstered by stellar performances. While it lacks a truly shocking twist, its storytelling remains engaging, offering a compelling glimpse into one of the world’s most secretive traditions.

(Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information and personal analysis. Details are subject to change, and readers are encouraged to verify specifics from official sources.)

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