Summary:

Following the Pope's sudden death, Cardinal Lomeli is tasked with overseeing the highly secretive papal conclave. As cardinals from across the globe gather in the Vatican, deep-seated rivalries, hidden ambitions, and explosive secrets surface, threatening not just the outcome of the election but the very foundation of the Church.

Review:

Edward Berger's 'Conclave' is a masterfully crafted thriller, gripping you with its claustrophobic atmosphere and intricate political maneuvering within the Vatican walls. Ralph Fiennes delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted Cardinal Lomeli, navigating a labyrinth of faith, doubt, and power struggles. It's less about religious doctrine and more a tense, intelligent drama about human fallibility under immense pressure, making the ancient ritual feel immediate and suspenseful.

Audience Recommendation:

Recommended for audiences who appreciate slow-burn political thrillers, intricate character studies, and dramas exploring themes of power, faith, and institutional secrecy. Fans of Robert Harris's novel and films like 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' or 'Spotlight' will likely find it engaging.

Themes:

The film delves into the complex interplay of faith and ambition, tradition versus progress within a powerful institution, the weight of secrets and the past, and the corrupting influence of power, even in supposedly sacred spaces.

Fun Facts:

• Based on the best-selling 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris.

• Directed by Edward Berger, who gained international acclaim for the Academy Award-winning 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.

• While set within the Vatican, much of the filming, including detailed Sistine Chapel replicas, took place at the famous Cinecittà Studios in Rome.