REVIEW: Conclave

There's something about philosophical debates on film that scratches a special itch for me. Watching talented actors debate opposing views through crackling screenplays is such a personal joy. One of my favorite films in recent years is "Women Talking", in which the emotionally and physically wounded women of a Mennonite community are forced to decide whether to chart a new course for their religion-dictated lives. More recently, Edward Berger's "Conclave" explores similar questions about faith and tradition, as a famously patriarchal group of men engage in a deliciously entertaining and thought provoking cinematic debate.

Based on the novel by Robert Harris, "Conclave" peels back the curtain of the titular process of selecting the new pope of the Catholic Church. It begins with the death of the sitting pope, which sets things in motion for the conclave, in which more than 100 cardinals gather to vote on their choice for this prestigious leadership role. Charged with ensuring a smooth election and upholding the required protocols, Dean Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) immediately understands the importance of this decision for the future of the church and by extension, society at large. As the first ballot looms, however, this coveted prize reveals ruthless ambition and a simmering culture war.

Indeed, the plotting of the conclave could easily be mistaken for a US Presidential campaign, with the candidates divided along idealogical lines of conversativism and more liberal views. But rather than settling for obvious metaphor, Peter Straughn's brilliant screenplay leans into both the scandalous reputation of the Catholic Church, as well as the film's "airport novel" origins with plot twists that left me giddy with delight. And the film's glittering ensemble sink their teeth into their roles with gusto, from Stanley Tucci's quietly assured Cardinal Bellini as the film's voice of reason, to the grandstanding bravado of Sergio Castellito as the unabashed traditionalist Cardinal Tedesco. And one can easily pick several other favorites among the cast, which also includes key performances from Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow and Carlos Diehz, the mysterious last-minute addition to the conclave. It's Ralph Fiennes who is most worthy of praise however. His skillfully modulated performance digs into the underlying humanity of this exalted society, expressing the various themes and conflicts at play with every furrowed brow and uncontrolled outburst.

With all the melodrama and towering performances, "Conclave" easily delivers pure entertainment value. But it's the attention to detail that elevates its from feeling like a filmed play to being incredibly cinematic. The jolting strings of the score and the sharp editing ratchet up the tension, Meanwhile the cinematographer's use of overhead shots conveys an expansiveness despite the sequestered premise. Additionally, the use of light and shadows further emphasizes the underlying secrets and mystery. Even the costumes and makeup goes beyond expectations, as the men truly look like they've gone through battle by the end of the film. With its juicy script, "Conclave" didn't need to go above and beyond to serve up such stunning cinematic craft, but I'm so glad it did.

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