I saw “Conclave” last weekend, and it was a revelation. Given the story’s inherent secrecy, this is remarkable.
You can “vote” for a new pope by going to the movies. Indeed, “Conclave” is playing now at The Triplex Cinema, and I strongly recommend this film.
Based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, “Conclave” was written for the screen by Peter Straughan and directed by Edward Berger. I believe both will earn Oscar nominations in their respective categories.
The plot revolves around the process of electing a new pope after an unnamed one dies. Enter Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, dean of the College of Cardinals. Played with gravitas by Ralph Fiennes, the intrigue begins when word of the pope’s death travels.
Men in crimson-red robes from around the world start to descend upon the Vatican. In the film, this College of Cardinals includes Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitti), Cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Cardinal Joshua Ayedemi (Lucian Msamati), and Cardinal John Tremblay (John Lithgow).
The papal conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel. In order to become the next pope, a cardinal must earn two thirds of the vote, which is conducted by secret ballot. Also, only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote in a conclave.
Suspense builds when a previously unknown cardinal arrives to join the others. Appointed by the late pope in pectore, Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz) looks relatively youthful compared with the other cardinal electors.
Once voting gets underway, it becomes obvious who is competing with whom. An Italian vs. a Nigerian, a liberal vs. a conservative, and so on. Less apparent is how outside forces will shape the eventual outcome. And perhaps the Lord works in mysterious ways just to keep us guessing.
Either way, never discount the nuns.
The acting and cinematography in Berger’s film is so good it will transport you to Rome. You will marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece high above the mere mortals seated in the Sistine Chapel, and you will most likely get behind Cardinal Bellini. You will feel Cardinal Lawrence’s many dilemmas, too. And you will start to wonder who is hiding what.
Suffice it to say, Ralph Fiennes is a lock for a best actor nod. Stanley Tucci will also earn a nomination for best supporting actor. I would be shocked if Isabella Rossellini’s role as Sister Agnes did not garner Oscar attention as well.
Again, you can vote for the pope simply by seeing “Conclave.” And in a presidential election year, the particular result in this “Conclave” feels like a small miracle. I’ll take it.
