How can you make a drama about 108 old men choosing one of their number to become their leader? Director, Edward Berger manages to produce one of the most gripping films I have ever seen. This film is wonderfully scripted, brilliantly filmed with so many framed shots and full-face closeups, mesmerisingly detailed in its sound production and above all, acted with such power, it is simply stunning.
Following the death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with Presiding over the Conclave of all the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church as they gather from around the world in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican to cast their votes to elect a new Pope.
On the face of it, it is a straightforward task and process. The film shows that even Cardinals are human and open to the same lapses as the rest of us. Watching this film at a time when in reality His Holiness is so unwell adds an edge to the proceedings. Additionally, as the Mother Church of the Anglican world is also attempting to gather its own conclave in the guise of the Crown Nominations Commission to choose its next leader, there is a further uncomfortable echo.
The Cardinals meet, they talk, try to drum up support for their chosen nomination, vote and elect a new Pope. That is all so simple on the face of it, but the intrigue and politicking that goes on in the name of God - well I'd like to say that it's unbelievable but sadly I can't. The film offers nothing other than a damning indictment of a human institution that conducts itself in ways that are alien to the teachings of its founder. It is very sad.
In a predominantly male context, the film allows plenty of room for women in the church to play pivotal roles. I won't list the ins and outs of the scheming that goes on, or the conclusion that is reached. You can discover them for yourself. Yes we all know the narrative arc - a bunch of old guys are locked away enjoying good food and wine and the occasional prayer, until they choose one of their number by two thirds majority to become Pope. But the way this film navigates that arc is masterful. It is so engrossing that I forgot I was watching a film - I was there!
For me, what shone brightest was the integrity shown by the character of Cardinal Lawrence. The angst and pain etched on Cardinal Lawrence's face (see above) never disappears. He had a task to do and he was not going to allow himself to become deflected from completing it and so fulfilling the trust placed in him by the previous Pope. All the Cardinals were under Papal scrutiny and it was Lawrence who was chosen to Preside over the Conclave. I felt such a deep connection to his character that I wonder if he and I share the same personality type! (ISTJ - or he might be INTJ.)
With the Oscars being handed out tonight it will be interesting to see how this film does. I hope it does well. I'll give it a very rare 10/10!
