This film has received an A.A. nomination for Best Picture, and I think it deserves it. This movie has much going for it, and I consider it to be a MUST-SEE! It will definitely be in my Top 5 for 2024. Additionally, Ralph Fiennes has received an A.A. Nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He did a terrific job and deserves it, but I still would vote for Timothy Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” (my favorite film of 2024!)
The Pope has died, and a new Pope must be chosen. For this to happen, the College of Cardinals meets at the Vatican. They are sequestered and cast their secret ballots for a member of the college. To win the election, the nominee must have the majority of votes. There are about 5 Cardinals with a good chance of winning. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is the Dean and he will oversee the proceedings. He tells himself and others (although perhaps he is fooling himself) that he has no interest in being the Pope and supports Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who is an advocate of the progressive changes the church has made over the last 40 years. Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) also has a good chance of winning. There are a couple of candidates that want to turn back the clock and return to the Church to its prior rigid and repressive ways.
I have no idea whether the process of choosing a Pope is accurately represented in the film, but how a Pope is chosen in this movie is a very interesting process. All the contenders are normal humans, with their strengths and weaknesses. Some are power-hungry while others seem more dedicated to what’s best for the Church and its followers. The Church is a political entity, and the power plays, manipulations, exposing vulnerabilities in rivals, etc. is on full display. The Director (Edward Berger) has obtained excellent performances from all the important characters, and the screenplay (by Peter Straughan) is excellent. Amazingly, the film has considerable suspense and interesting twists along the way.
I strongly recommend the film whether you believe in God or not. If you pass on it, I’d seriously consider going to confession!
This film has received an A.A. nomination for Best Picture, and I think it deserves it. This movie has much going for it, and I consider it to be a MUST-SEE! It will definitely be in my Top 5 for 2024. Additionally, Ralph Fiennes has received an A.A. Nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He did a terrific job and deserves it, but I still would vote for Timothy Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown" (my favorite film of 2024!) The Pope has died, and a new Pope must be chosen. For this to happen, the College of Cardinals meets at the Vatican. They are sequestered and cast their secret ballots for a member of the college. To win the election, the nominee must have the majority of votes. There are about 5 Cardinals with a good chance of winning. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is the Dean and he will oversee the proceedings. He tells himself and others (although perhaps he is fooling himself) that he has no interest in being the Pope and supports Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who is an advocate of the progressive changes the church has made over the last 40 years. Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) also has a good chance of winning. There are a couple of candidates that want to turn back the clock and return to the Church to its prior rigid and repressive ways. I have no idea whether the process of choosing a Pope is accurately represented in the film, but how a Pope is chosen in this movie is a very interesting process. All the contenders are normal humans, with their strengths and weaknesses. Some are power-hungry while others seem more dedicated to what's best for the Church and its followers. The Church is a political entity, and the power plays, manipulations, exposing vulnerabilities in rivals, etc. is on full display. The Director (Edward Berger) has obtained excellent performances from all the important characters, and the screenplay (by Peter Straughan) is excellent. Amazingly, the film has considerable suspense and interesting twists along the way. I strongly recommend the film whether you believe in God or not. If you pass on it, I'd seriously consider going to confession!
Conclave: Religious/Political Suspense Drama
Conclave: Religious/Political Suspense Drama
2025-02-14
David
85
8.5
Excellent Screenplay!
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