A recommendation: Conclave with Ralph Fiennes

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“Any man who is truly worthy must consider himself unworthy…” Another outstanding film is now playing in theaters around the country. Conclave is the latest film from German filmmaker Edward Berger, who found his way into Hollywood with the intense Oscar-nominated adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front from 2022. This new film is a fictional tale of cardinals at the Vatican convening to choose a new Pope after the old one passes away. The story focuses on one man – Cardinal Thomas Lawrence – who is assigned the task of managing the papal conclave and leading the secretive election amongst the College of Cardinals to choose the next successor. But as he begins his task he discovers an intricate network of corruption, gossip, and hearsay, with a variety of Cardinals (good and bad) vying for the coveted position at the top of the Catholic Church. Critics online have described it as “Gossip Girl at the Vatican.” But it’s so much more powerful and exciting and fascinating than that. It’s not just about the rumors and the corruption, there is something important brewing within the narrative, within this story of the importance of righteous leadership. I watched Conclave on the big screen recently and was completely swept away - it surpassed my expectations, and totally rocked me with its radical finale. If you can catch it in theaters now, watching it with a crowd is a unique experience. Especially because the different reactions each viewer will have when the twists & turns start bubbling up are so much fun to listen & watch. Some will be in complete shock, others will be grinning with glee.

When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. Conclave is directed by filmmaker Edward Berger, and written by Peter Straughan, adapted from the book “Conclave (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)” written by Robert Harris. The exceptionally talented Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, joined by Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, along with Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Benitez (an important character). Much of this film is better enjoyed when you have no idea where the story is going, and what is about to happen next, though I am sure it will be just as entertaining rewatching it knowing what is just about to happen. The tremendously fancy score, the magnificent cinematography, the astounding performances, all of it is top notch. Conclave is a masterfully riveting thriller with extraordinary production value - they rebuilt much of the Vatican as a set (because they were obviously not allowed to really film there) and it all feels unquestionably real. I was also not expecting this film to be an extremely relevant look at both the US election (in so many ways) and intense high-level corruption. All the while also showing what it really takes to elect the "right" person and keep pushing an institute forward. Beyond this setup – well, you have to debate and discuss it amongst yourselves once you’ve seen it. There will be plenty to talk about, including figuring out what & why, and the characters, and how it all develops leading to this thrilling conclusion. Though my favorite characters in this film are the turtles. 🐢🐢 They’re part of the Vatican, too.