Conclave
2024
****
Director: Edward Berger
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, Javier Cámara, Silvio Orlando, Adriano Giannini, Gianfranco Gallo
Following the death of the Pope, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence presides over a conclave to elect the successor. Lawrence, who is struggling with a crisis of faith, uncovers hidden secrets and political machinations among the cardinals. This adaptation of Robert Harris' 2016 novel sheds light on this structured process and manages to turn a private ballot into a commanding and entertaining political thriller. The conclave cleverly reflects the world in which we live: the leading candidates include a liberal, a moderate, a social conservative, and a traditionalist. Ralph Fiennes gives an understated but intense lead performance, and the rest of the cast are great, as well. Peter Straughan's script won an Academy Award.
