Film Review: ‘Conclave’ Falls Short Despite Strong Performances
By Corbin Johnson
On our next watch-along, we have Conclave, starring the phenomenal Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. The film, directed by Edward Berger, is based on a novel of the same name. The story follows a group of Catholic cardinals tasked with electing a new pope after the previous one dies under unusual circumstances. The movie draws inspiration from real-life events, particularly Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013, though it inaccurately suggests he was succeeded after death. The election of Pope Benedict XVI following John Paul II’s death in 2005 was seen as a victory for the conservative wing of the church against liberals and modernizers. The novel explores the internal struggles within the church during such transitions, addressing themes of faith, power, and institutional politics.
I’ve never read the book, but I felt very underwhelmed while watching this movie. While the performances are excellent and the cinematography is top-notch, the writing fails to deliver. Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci are the film’s standout stars, shining in every scene they’re in—but that’s no surprise, given their decades-long careers. Conclave effectively portrays how the selection of a new pope can lead to inner conflicts and doubts about faith, but it doesn’t provide much insight into the Vatican’s inner workings. Many are curious about how the church operates and its different hierarchies, but the film only skims the surface.
The film also struggles to build tension, glossing over key moments that could have added depth. The different political factions within the church are weakly depicted, and the portrayal of a papal transition lacks substance. Given the complexities and controversies surrounding church politics, Conclave had a wealth of material to explore but ultimately wastes its potential.
Even with great acting, the actors aren’t given much to work with. Despite their strong performances, the characters feel like empty shells with little depth. They are cold and ruthless, but without any additional layers to make them compelling. The film also fails to provide historical context or examine how these events influence global politics.
Overall, Conclave is not the movie to watch if you’re looking for deeper insight into the church. While it boasts excellent cinematography and acting, those elements alone aren’t enough to make it great. A film needs tension, drama, and a strong script to truly engage an audience. Conclave had the potential to be a compelling political thriller, but it falls flat. The filmmakers should have conducted more research to create a story that truly impacts audiences and captures the complexities of church dynamics.
