As a seasoned film critic with a background in theology and a knack for spotting the subtleties in human ambition, I must say that “Conclave” is a captivating masterpiece that delves deep into the heart of power struggles within the Vatican. The acting is so immersive, it feels as if you’re eavesdropping on a real conclave!
The recently released film titled “Conclave” delves into the events following the demise of the Pope and the intriguing proceedings when the Vatican’s conclave selects a new spiritual leader. As a screenwriter, I’ve long understood the importance of “showing over telling”, yet this dialogue-heavy movie is captivating due to its exceptional acting performances.
In this story, Ralph Fiennes takes on the role of Lawrence, a central figure caught in the web of power struggles and betrayals among five other cardinals vying for the position of the new Pope. Despite his reluctance, Lawrence is persistently being nominated by the members of the conclave, while he subtly attempts to steer their votes towards another Cardinal, Bellini, portrayed by Stanley Tucci.
In a different setting, John Lithgow portrays Cardinal Tremblay, a strong contender for the upcoming Papacy. However, Lawrence discovers that Tremblay is willing to go to great lengths – even damaging the reputations of his fellow candidates – to secure this position. Among the other potential popes are Cardinal Adeyemi from Nigeria, who aims to become history’s first black pope, and Cardinal Tedesco, a traditionalist seeking to reverse the past 50 years of progressive changes within the Catholic Church. Cardinal Bellini is a liberal figure who works to thwart Cardinal Tedesco’s chances of being elected. The narrative unfolds with scene after scene of intense discussions as the conclave repeatedly votes in their pursuit of selecting a new Pope, revealing fresh insights along the way.
This entire story is another example that blind ambition is greater than even the most devout believers of God and religion. Some people will do anything to get what they want, even at the expense of others, forgetting that what good is succeeding when you ruin the life and career of someone else?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie Conclave has a remarkably high rating of 92%, with my personal assessment being an 85%. I highly recommend it due to its outstanding acting and overall strong performance.
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2024-10-26 19:49