Conclave delves into the secrets of the election of a new pontiff behind the closed doors of the Catholic Church, whisking you into the unknown world of the papacy.
Directed by Edward Berger, who also directed the 2022 film All Quiet on the Western Front, Conclave could be described as a film of intrigue and intellect, offering the audience a twisted thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats for its 118-minute runtime. After making its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival last month, followed by a showcase at TIFF, Conclave has just celebrated its European premiere at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival, where it has been running to full houses during the festival.
The cast, the fantastic background score, and the cinematography (crafted by Stéphane Fontaine, who notably worked on Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet and Pablo Larraín’s Jackie) appeal to the audience as they get drawn into the story of the most secretive ritual held in Rome, following the unexpected death of the pope. Adapted from the popular novel by Robert Harris, Conclave is as thrilling as the pages of the novel. Berger’s skill in bringing it to the screen is supported by a fantastic ensemble of actors, including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow.
Fiennes is appointed to lead the conclave, and what follows is a complex conspiracy and thrilling journey to find the supreme leader among the papacy. Fiennes shines through his character, making us see the emissary as a common man whose faith and morality are tested under forced circumstances. The dynamics among the characters hold the audience’s attention and involve them in the life of the papacy behind the closed doors of the Church, often questioning the ideas and clashes of faith and religion.
One can relate to the heat and political tensions that resonate in real life with any country’s elections, making this film full of subtle remarks on high-stakes topics like gender neutrality, finances, vices, and sacrifices that a modern church should consider.
Although the entire film is shot inside, as the conclave of the emissaries is held in a sequestered room, the outside world’s problems (bombs, explosions, and upheaval) are fantastically woven into the narrative with sound design and amazing cinematography, with details highlighted in minimal colors.
Conclave is definitely going to captivate the audience when it his theaters around the world, with its mysterious allure of a papal thriller.
We are delighted to be reporting live from the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival, running on September 20-28, 2024 in Spain.
