Conclave movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Conclave

This fascinating drama is now playing in theaters, as well as in Fandango at Home.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 2 hours

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

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IN A NUTSHELL:

The riveting movie is based on the Robert Harris novel of the same name that came out in 2016. Robert Harris co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Straughan.

The movie was directed by German-born Edward Berger, who also brought us All Quiet on the Western Front in 2022, which was nominated for 87 awards and won 57 of them!

Already, Conclave is receiving well-deserved Oscar buzz.

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast is absolutely fantastic and includes three Oscar nominees: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. All three are sure to be nominated again for their roles in this movie. They were THAT good.
Other standouts in the film include Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, and, of course, Carlos Diehz.
The film is absolutely gorgeous to look at. Visually, it’s stunning. There are so many perfect vignettes that look like artistic masterpieces. The cinematography by Stephane Fontaine will probably get her nominated for awards for her work in this film.
Secrets and scandals are uncovered slowly enough, yet so constantly that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The film was shot in Rome, Italy. Nothing was actually filmed inside Vatican City, but the set designs are extremely convincing.
The twist at the end is generating a lot of buzz. No spoilers here! I had heard it was ridiculous and it did make several audience members I sat with in the theater laugh; however, I thought it was actually touching and even sweet. It provided insight on how our weaknesses can actually become strengths.
Many of the scenes take place in the famous Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Of course, movies can’t actually be filmed inside Vatican City, but the set looks extremely convincing. I’ve been there twice and would readily return.
I love that the film illustrated the sweet, and often invisible, service of the nuns instead of only focusing on the cardinals. There are many ways to serve God and our fellow man.
The beautiful music by Volker Bertelmann was potent, especially when mixed with moments of only tension-filled sound effects.
I loved the subtle, visual moments that were filled with nuances. For example, we see a cardinal look out an open window as a light breeze blows on his face, suggesting the winds of change taking place inside the Vatican.
The turtles were a cute touch. I used to own 2 pet water turtles just like the ones shown in the movie!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some viewers have complained that the film attacks the Catholic church and its traditional values by showing how flawed the leaders are. The flaws of humanity are exactly what the movie is about. None of us is perfect. It’s our flaws and weaknesses that often compel us to be humble in a world that often demands unrealistic expectations. Roman Catholic theology states that the pope is infallible…but an important distinction needs to be made. He is infallible when teaching doctrine and discussing matters of faith. He IS, however, allowed to make mistakes in other matters. The only man who never sinned was Jesus Christ.
I was worried that the movie would turn woke and bash Catholic faith. I do wish movies would portray Christians with more respect and not simple-minded buffoons, which is often the case in Hollywood films.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored.
No profanity. Yay!
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Italian and Spanish are spoken with and without subtitles.
Talk of an illegitimate baby
Talk of misconduct and rumors of scandals by previous popes and current cardinals

THEMES:

Change
Hypocrisy
Ambition
Secrets
Progress vs. tradition
Tolerance
Prayer
Humility
Faith and doubt
Religious politics
Certainty
Terrorism

FUNNY LINES:

None worth noting, although there are a few amusing moments in the story.

INTERESTING LINES:

“You know how rumor spreads, and one and a quarter billion souls watching.” – Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow)
“No sane man would want the papacy.” – Cardinal Bellini Stanley Tucci)
“The men who are dangerous are the ones who do want it.” – Archbishop Wozniak (Jacek Koman)
“Although we, sisters, are supposed to be invisible, God has nevertheless given us eyes and ears.” – Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini)
“This is a conclave, Aldo. It’s not a war.” – Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) “It IS a war! And you have to commit to a side.” – Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci)
“There is one sin which I have come to fear above all others: certainty. If there was only certainty, and not doubt, there would be no mystery and, therefore, no need for faith.” – Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)
“God’s gift to the church is its variety.” Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)
“Every cardinal has the desire to be pope.” – Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci)
“Let God’s will be done.” – Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)
“I thought we were here to serve God.” – Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)
“You lack the courage required to be pope.” – Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes)
“It’s shameful to be this age and still not know yourself.” – Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci)
“I know what it is to exist between the world’s certainties.” – (No spoiler!)