Conclave

Story: After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is entrusted with the conclave, a highly confidential voting process that shall elect the new Pope. But the closed-door activity must navigate the murky politics, corruption and ambition that grips the Vatican, threatening to overshadow true worth and intent.

Review: A papal drama-thriller, Conclave doesn’t resort to the usual tropes of the genre to draw in the viewer. It doesn’t lure you by succumbing to the sensationalism of a true-crime documentary either that promises to unveil sordid secrets of the church. A faithful adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel, screenwriter Peter Straughan delivers a brave and layered script that compels you to scratch the surface and think beyond the obvious crisis in picture.

At the centre of this sinfully silent storm lies a troubled Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who must battle his own dwindling faith in the archaic system while ably performing his duties. Hoping for a progressive future, it is Fiennes’ class act that brings that much needed brooding tension and unnerving sense of claustrophobia to a rather static proceeding. He is expected to be the voice of reason between opposing views, liberals and conservative. As a man torn between the expectation of being diplomatic and neutral while his heart screaming to be vocal and fair, Fiennes delivers his complex role magnificently. Fiennes is joined by a competent team of actors comprising Stanley Tucci, Sergio Castellitto, Carlos Diehz, John Lithgow and Lucian Msamati, who make this a compelling watch. The production value, background score and setting add to the underlying sinister unrest.

The twist in the climax is moving and testament to outstanding filmmaking. Beyond the great acting, writing and direction, at the heart of the Conclave lies our basic human dilemma. Our obsession with certainty and need for power is addressed in a glorious monologue. There’s no faith without doubt and it’s more important to be worthy than ambitious. Conclave not just makes you think, it makes you think better. It confronts and challenges your perception of right and wrong, justice over reputation and why silence is not always stronger than words.