“Conclave,” releading this week from Focus Features, delves into one of the most secretive and ancient rituals in the world—the selection of a new pope. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is suddenly thrust into leading this delicate process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the world’s most powerful Church leaders gather behind the closed doors of the Vatican, Lawrence begins to uncover a web of secrets left by the late pontiff—secrets that threaten to shake the very core of the Catholic Church.
Fiennes delivers one of the finest performances of his career as Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Portraying a man grappling with his own crisis of faith and burdened by his imperfections, Fiennes captures the deep inner turmoil of a noble servant caught between his doubts in the Church and his unwavering faith in Jesus. His role as the conclave’s moderator—collecting votes and managing candidates—is marked by a quiet dignity, showing a man wrestling not only with the politics of the process but with his own spiritual struggles.
At one point, Lawrence tells the group, “Certainty is the enemy of unity,” a line that encapsulates the internal battle of a man confronting both his faith and his doubts. In Lawrence, we see echoes of biblical figures like Moses and the Apostle Paul—flawed yet divinely chosen leaders, who, in their weakness, find strength through grace, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Fortunately, “Conclave” isn’t just a commentary on the inner workings of the Church or a critique of its institutions. Instead, it offers a rare and respectful glimpse into a world that few have ever seen. Several of Lawrence’s fellow cardinals quietly compete for the papal position, reflecting the tension between those hoping for a more liberal or conservative successor. Despite their machinations, Lawrence remains the unlikely candidate, his reluctance gradually transforming into a hesitant acceptance of his potential calling.
Visually, “Conclave” is stunning, with director Edward Berger masterfully capturing the grandeur of Rome and the Vatican. From the awe-inspiring cathedrals to the stark simplicity of the cardinals’ quarters, Berger contrasts the splendor of the Church’s surroundings with the characters’ internal conflicts. His close-up shots, which linger on the faces of the cardinals as they wrestle with their decisions, heighten the tension and bring a sense of intimacy to the unfolding drama. With remarkable performances and bold direction, “Conclave” is poised to make waves this awards season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see it as a frontrunner for Best Picture.
At its heart, “Conclave” is a mystery—both in its plot and in the moral and spiritual dilemmas it presents. Without giving away spoilers, the film takes viewers on a journey that explores not only physical twists but also the profound questions of faith and leadership within the Church. Ultimately, it provokes thought on how flawed men are used by God in the process of choosing the next pope, offering audiences a compelling mix of reverence, intrigue, and reflection.
“Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini, releases on October 25 through Focus Features.
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