Conclave is Riveting Thriller That Cast Doubt Over the Preisthood

As a practicing Buddhist, my childhood was split between the Church of God in Christ and Catholicism.  I was such a devout Catholic that I not only took my bible whenever I traveled, but was  confirmed while on tour in Australia.  Like many Catholics, it was always  a tinge of excitement and anticipation each time a new priest was to be name, since this event rarely occurs.  Watching on television the plumes of black or whit smoke to indicate if a decision had been agreed upon by the conclave was a nailbiter at best. But, how those events unfold and the drama behind it is what Edward Berger reveals in this high stakes drama that made is its World Premiere at Telluride a few weeks ago and most recently during the Toronto International Film Festival this week.

When the Pope unexpectedly dies, Cardinals from all over the world rush to the Vatican, where they immediately sequester themselves. Digital devices are stashed, doors are locked, and windows are shuttered as they prepare for the election of a new leader — one who will not only provide spiritual guidance for the world’s Catholics, but set the tone for the future.

Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) oversees the proceedings, assuming that the contest will come down to a battle between the reactionary, openly racist Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) and the liberal progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci). Matters soon turn complicated as rumors circulate, secrets emerge, and acts of sabotage are undertaken. Adapted by Peter Straughan from the Robert Harris novel, and lensed by cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine , the film captures the potent gravity of this whole competition with one arresting composition after another. The opening images of a furrowed brow and fast paced walking set to ominous music as a punctuation to the action unfolding is mesmerizing.

Conclave unfolds over a tension-riddled 72 hours, depicting a gripping confrontation between tradition, politics, and questioning of faith. Featuring brilliant supporting performances most notably from Isabella Rossellini as the silent yet formidable Sister Agnes, this film focuses on the all-too-human aspects of a hallowed procedure, one that speculates on the role of religion in a rapidly changing world. For nearly, half the film Rossellini has no dialogue, but when she does speak it is definitely worth listening to and one of the film’s highlights. As is witnessing a Black Cardinal get called out for his sexual affair with a 19 year-old girl, and the subtle undercover dig at American political conventions where white men struggle to obtain and remain in control and power are palpable moments of note.

This film is undoubtedly going to ruffle some feathers and piss some folks all the way off as the priesthood is put on blast loudly.  Yet, it serves as reminder that our faith is a living thing because it walks hand in hand with doubt.  Doubt about self identity, racism, gender pandering and the life one has chosen to serve .  Brilliantly directed by Edward Berger, Conclave is a riveting inside peek to a world that is shrouded in mystery, intrigue and secrets that are screaming to be unveiled in one way or another.