Conclave: A Gripping Papal Drama That Exposes the Intricacies of Vatican Politics

The 2024 mystery thriller film *Conclave*, directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan, has garnered significant attention for its intricate portrayal of the Vatican‘s secretive process of electing a new pope. Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris, the film stars a formidable cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

The story unfolds following the sudden death of the Pope, prompting Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) to oversee the papal conclave. The plot thickens as Lawrence delves into secrets and scandals surrounding the four main candidates: Bellini, a liberal; Adeyemi, an economic progressive with socially conservative views; Tremblay, a mainstream conservative; and Tedesco, a reactionary traditionalist.

As the conclave progresses, Lawrence discovers a web of deceit and corruption among the candidates. A significant twist involves a nun from Nigeria who reveals a past relationship with Adeyemi, leading to a whisper campaign that derails his candidacy. Further revelations about Tremblay’s bribery and Bellini’s compromised position add layers to the narrative, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film’s climax is marked by a dramatic turn of events, including a suicide bomber attack on the Vatican, which shifts the dynamics of the election. Ultimately, the cardinals elect Archbishop Benitez of Kabul as the new pope, despite his unique personal circumstances that could have disqualified him. Benitez, who is intersex, decides to keep his secret, and Lawrence respects his decision.

Critics have praised the film for its suspenseful storytelling, impeccable performances, and stunning cinematography. Ralph Fiennes’ performance, in particular, has been highlighted as one of his best since *The Grand Budapest Hotel*. The film’s visual and production design have also been lauded for their beauty and attention to detail.

However, some reviewers have noted that the film falls short in fully developing its characters and exploring the deeper themes it introduces. The score by Volker Bertelmann has also received mixed reviews, with some finding it overly dramatic and not well-suited to the on-screen action.