‘Conclave’: Rumors and Lies in the Sistine Chapel 

An unexpectedly catty thriller following a group of gossiping cardinals as they convene to choose the next Pope, Conclave is a completely unexpected follow-up to director Edward Berger’s last film, 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front — and also some of the most fun I’ve had at the movie theater all year. 

Based on the novel of the same name written by Robert Harris, Conclave follows Ralph Fiennes as Lawrence, Dean of the College of Cardinals, navigating the death of the Pope. Dean Lawrence is tasked with running the conclave that will choose the next pope, a task he finds more difficult than expected as rumors spread amongst the sequestered cardinals. 

Berger explores the politics of the Church through the different candidates for the papacy. Dean Lawrence supports Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), whose progressive views alienate him from the more conservative bishops, namely Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a traditionalist. While the cardinals agree that the man best suited for the position should be one who does not want it, it becomes clear that no candidate is free of secret ambition. 

Ralph Fiennes gives a characteristically great performance as Dean Lawrence. He brings the audience through the rituals of the conclave (which were unfamiliar to me) with ease and carries the emotional weight of the film well.