Conclave 4K Review: Ralph Fiennes Papal Thriller Is Even Better on Rewatch

by

At the 97th Academy Awards, it wasn’t the case that Conclave was unexpectedly crowned Best Picture, as some had speculated. However, it did win in the category of Best Adapted Screenplay. Edward Berger’s entertaining drama offers a refreshing watch, boasting excellent acting performances. Upon revisiting the film thanks to its 4K release, I can confirm that it remains just as enjoyable on subsequent viewings.

The Conclave is part of one of the world’s oldest and most clandestine events – choosing a new Pope. High-ranking church officials have assembled from across the globe, secluded within the Vatican walls. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is in charge of this hidden procedure but finds himself entangled in a conspiracy and uncovers a secret that could potentially destabilize the Church. Joining him are Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, under the direction of Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front).

Among theater outings, none were quite as entertaining as witnessing Conclave, a film that, despite its high-brow papal backdrop, offers a delightfully scandalous viewing experience. It’s filled with treachery, gossip that will have you in stitches (it’s amusing to see Fiennes’ Lawrence feigning above it all while being deeply entangled), and some truly unforgettable plot twists (though the final one felt more like a shock tactic than a genuine twist). This is why I was both thrilled at the prospect of watching the movie at home, yet apprehensive that the experience might not live up to expectations.

I’m grateful that the 4K release of Conclave did not disappoint, even though I knew the outcome. The exceptional acting performances were what truly stood out, allowing me to fully appreciate the actors delivering top-notch performances in key scenes. The film’s quality was evident in every detail, especially when viewed in 4K – the intricate set and costume designs really took center stage. Fiennes and Stanley Tucci delivered memorable moments, but John Lithgow stole the show for me. He seemed to relish his role, and it showed in every scene. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my interview with him where he discusses the character’s “fascinating duality.

Two valuable extras come with the 4K version of Conclave. First, there’s “Sequestered: Inside Conclave,” a 17-minute documentary that delves into the creation of the movie through interviews with cast and crew. Although it doesn’t offer as much detail as I would have liked on specific topics like casting, costumes, and themes, it’s still engaging and informative. The more substantial addition is a commentary track by director Edward Berger, who shares his wealth of knowledge about the film, recounts stories from set, and discusses the use of blue screens in an interesting way. I could listen to Berger talk about the movie for even longer, which indicates a high-quality and diverse commentary track.

Conclave 4K Review: Final Verdict

In the 4K release of The Conclave, you can experience one of the standout films from 2024 in stunning detail right at home. Boasting beautiful cinematography and eye-catching costumes, the movie looks fantastic, but it’s not just about the visuals. Even if you already know who will be elected Pope or have figured out the surprising twist ending, the movie remains engaging and intriguing to watch. I highly suggest giving it a try for those who loved the film initially or are looking for an engaging political thriller to enjoy.

Product was provided by distributor for our Conclave 4K review.

Read More

2025-03-08 19:41