Film: Conclave

 

GENRE: Dramatic Thriller
RATING: PG for thematic material and smoking
RUNTIME: 2 hours
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Ralph Fiennes (The Menu, Grand Budapest Hotel, Harry Potter)
Stanley Tucci (Spotlight, Big Night); John Lithgow (Cliffhanger, Footloose)
DIRECTOR: Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)
WRITER: Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Goldfinch)
PLOT: The selection of a new pope leads to power struggles and secrets.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: The trailer and high Tomatoes score interested me.

STORY STUFF: I found myself pretty intrigued with the story. The setting was fascinating as the conclave begins to elect a new pope. The sequestering and the process kept me interested. While I expected some power shifts among the cardinals, I was surprised at how relevant it was to current national politics. The pacing is respectfully slow but that is to be expected; it’s not like this is Angels & Demons. There is a great twist that I did not see coming. This film is not for everyone but I certainly enjoyed it.

ACTING STUFF: Fiennes is perfectly cast as Lawrence, the one in charge of the conclave. Tucci & Lithgow also are treat with their feigned righteousness. Another standout for me is the quiet Carlos Hiehz as newcomer Benitez. Great acting all around.           

ARTISTIC STUFF: While I love the Italian architecture of the cathedrals and the eerie claustrophobic residence, it was the cinematography and sound that impressed me the most. The camera glides beautifully along the marble steps and perfectly captures moments of intense scrutiny. The music adds a slightly hair-raising tone with its high-pitched violins. There is also the amazing sound of air swooshing when some doors are closing to signify the sealing in of the cardinals. I love a good restrictive situation (see Die Hard).

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You are patient for an interesting twist 
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Here