Released October 25, 2024, with box office gains of 62.1 million USD, Conclave is a must-watch movie that incorporates political thriller, drama, and mystery elements to create a cinematic masterpiece. Conclave was directed by Edward Berger and stars experienced actors (Stanley Tucci as Aldo Bellini) as well as new ones (Carlos Diehz as Vincent Benitez in his first ever film appearance– he was prior an architect). Conclave follows Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the main character and the Dean of the College of Cardinals, as he attempts to lead over a hundred Cardinal Papal candidates to vote on the next Pope after the death of the old one. With the sudden addition of a secret cardinal, sequestered candidates contest for the Papacy, secrets are uncovered, and Lawrence undergoes personal revelations regarding his faith. 

Although a new release, Conclave has won a plethora of awards, including Best Ensemble at the National Board of Review, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Audience Overall Favorite and has been nominated for a variety of other prizes. The movie is based on the 2016 book of the same name by Robert Harris, and in many ways, improves upon the book. It adds gorgeous cinematography, set design, symmetry, color symbolism, and elegant costuming only mentioned within the novel– now able to be seen on screen. The plot, full of twists and turns, keeps viewers on the edge of their seat. Characters are brought to life with astute acting, especially that of Carlos Diehz, who captures Cardinal Benitez’s voice, personality, and earnestness perfectly, despite this being his first film appearance.

Conclave’s beautiful cinematography isn’t there just to look pretty. Directors’ framing showcases thematic concepts of doubt, faith, morality, power, tradition, and progress, making the movie compelling whether it just be those who are watching for the beauty, or for those who are searching for meaning within the film. The script contributes to Conclave’s overall atmosphere as well– well thought out lines ring powerfully and express characters’ sentiments, beliefs, motivations, and the show’s thematic concepts, well without feeling on-the-nose. 

Similar to the book, Berger draws from modern Vatican politics (specifically the 2005 papal conclave) in order to depict Conclave’s characters. Aldo Cardinal Bellini, for example, is written similarly to Carlo Cardinal Martini (right down to having an alcoholic beverage as a last name), and Goffredo Tedesco as Edward Burke. The changes made in the film from the book are minor: Thomas ‘Lawrence’ instead of ‘Lomeli’, Vincent Benitez being Mexican/the Archbishop of Kabul as compared to Filipino/the Archbishop of Baghdad, and do not detract from enjoying the film. 

Despite the minor changes made from book to film, Conclave is a deep, thought-provoking, and enjoyable film that entertains the reader with dramatic plot beats and beautiful scenery. The show’s creators clearly put heavy thought into how individual scenes would be shot and how they would be tied together to create repetition and symbolism that would enhance the show’s themes. All actors, from the famous to the unknown, play their role especially well, bringing a natural flow to the film. Having watched this movie again and again, I would be lying if I did not give this show a 5/5.