The film Conclave, boasting a stellar cast including Oscar nominees and directed by an Oscar winner, delves into the intricate world of papal elections. This article explores the tradition, the drama, and the key elements that make Conclave a compelling thriller.
Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List), Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), and John Lithgow (Terms of Endearment, The World According to Garp) headline the cast of Focus Features’ Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, who won the 2023 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film for All Quiet on the Western Front. The movie is adapted from Robert Harris’s 2016 thriller of the same name, focusing on the tradition of the Papal Conclave.
Delving into the Papal Conclave: An Overview
When a Pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals is summoned to Rome. These Cardinals then gather within the confines of the Sistine Chapel, shrouded in secrecy, to elect a successor from among themselves. This procedure is known as a Conclave, a tradition steeped in history and intrigue.
What is Conclave About? Unpacking the Plot
Conclave centers on the ancient practice of the Conclave, where Cardinals from around the globe assemble in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to choose the new Pope following the death of the previous one. The film adds a layer of complexity: the circumstances surrounding the former Pope’s death are shrouded in mystery, adding tension to the already intricate blend of tradition, politics, and faith. The movie explores the high-stakes environment and the personal ambitions at play during this pivotal moment in the Catholic Church.
The Cardinals and Their Roles in the Conclave
Currently, there are 232 cardinals, but only 120 are eligible to vote (and be elected) during a Conclave. Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes), the dean of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with overseeing the election and maintaining the secrecy of the proceedings.
The official synopsis of Conclave teases that Lawrence “uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.” Throughout the 72 hours depicted in the film, Cardinal Lawrence navigates the intrigue surrounding the previous Pope’s unexpected death and the ambitions of the Cardinals vying for the papacy. These include Cardinal Bellini (Tucci) of the Vatican, Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) of Venice, Cardinal Tremblay (Lithgow) of Montreal, and Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) of Nigeria, who aspires to become the first African pope. This sets the stage for a compelling drama filled with ambition and political maneuvering.
The Cast of Conclave: A Stellar Ensemble
The movie stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, and Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi. The performances bring depth and complexity to the characters, enhancing the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
How to Watch Conclave
Conclave is currently available for streaming on Peacock.
Conclusion: A Gripping Thriller
With its all-star cast, Conclave offers a gripping look into the secretive workings of the Catholic Church and the complex dynamics of a papal election. The film is a taut, psychological thriller that explores themes of faith, power, and ambition, and may garner significant attention during awards season. Check out the film on Peacock.
