Conclave (2024) Movie Review

Conclave – Movie Review

First Reaction – Conclave tense, suspenseful and brilliant thriller.

Watch Conclave at the cinemas now. Below is where it can be watched at home once released on the home market.

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Director: Edward Berger

Writer: Peter Straughan (Screenplay)

Writer: Robert Harris (Book)

Cast

• Ralph Fiennes (Red Dragon)
• Stanley Tucci (Supernova)
• John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun)
• Isabella Rossellini (Spaceman)
• Lucian Msamati (See How They Run)

Plot: 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.

Runtime: 2 Hours

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Conclave starts when the Pope has passed away leaving Dean Lawrence (Fiennes) to preparing the election of the new pope.  The cardinals arrive from around the world in their attempt to win the vote of their fellow cardinals.

Bellini (Tucci), Tremblay (Lithgow), Tedesco (Castellitto) and Adeyemi (Msamati) are the three favourites for the role. However, Lawrence discovers secrets about the candidates and a surprise favourite comes to the forefront.

Verdict on Conclave

Recap

The movie follows the Dean of the cardinals arranging and conducting a conclave for the new Pope. However, once they are under strict conditions, he learns about secrets from the candidate’s past that could shape the outcome of the voting.

Best Parts

The story is fascinating as we dive into a thriller that can’t be investigated outside of the walls. It brings up plenty of debates about religion’s place in the world and what impact it can have on people. This comes from different ideas the candidates have and what to bring to the world if they are elected. We get outstanding performances from the whole cast in what is one of the best-acted movies of the year.

Worst Parts

The only thing I didn’t like was certain scenes did not have subtitles and we were left to assume we knew what was going on.

Final Thoughts – Conclave is a riveting thriller that grabs our attention and never lets it go.