Conclave begins with an eerie atmosphere and the weight of a secret from the very first minute. We are in the Vatican, after all, and the Pope has just died. Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, carries the heavy burden of overseeing the process of electing the new Pope.
Thanks to Ralph Fiennes’ incredible performance pulling me in, I find myself fully immersed in the tense atmosphere of the Vatican. How could I not be? Every object on screen is meticulously chosen, every scene is crafted with the precision of a painter delicately touching their brush to a canvas. I don’t feel like I’m just watching a film—I feel as if I’m sitting under the Sistine Chapel, ready to cast my vote for the next Pope, but instead of writing a name on a piece of paper, I’m taking in the majesty of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
Conclave conveys the weight of duty without overwhelming the audience, instead making us feel that burden alongside Cardinal Lawrence. We share in his worries, feeling crushed under the responsibilities of his position.
Cardinal Lawrence tirelessly works to find a Pope who will serve the Church’s best interests, attempting to illuminate hidden secrets in the flickering glow of candlelight. He strives to fulfill his duty with honesty and integrity, yet he is crushed under its immense weight, much like Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders.
But don’t misunderstand—this isn’t just the story of a hardworking Cardinal. It’s an intense dive into the political maneuvers of one of the world’s most secretive and powerful institutions. Each unraveling mystery leaves us stunned, and the intricacy of diplomatic calculations leaves us speechless.
Conclave is a unique cinematic experience. While I struggled to engage with The Young Pope, I found Conclave thoroughly captivating. The film ends on a hopeful note, but interpreting this hope takes time. It invites reflection on its symbolism and dialogue. And as someone who loves films that continue to live with me after they end, that challenge the audience rather than spoon-feed them, I enjoyed it even more.