Conclave takes a look behind the curtain of one of the most mysterious traditions of Catholicism, the selection of a new Pope.
The film adaption from Robert Harris' novel does not disappoint, as director Edward Berger does justice to the novel along with his own take.
Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, dean of the College of Cardinals, in a tense drama that s more political than papal.
Lawrence finds himself thrust reluctantly into the spotlight while still grieving the Pope, who seemed to know him better than he knows himself amid a crisis of faith.
However, Fiennes' character steps up to the role of holding together a fractured group of cardinals, some with corruption and self-interest in their hearts rather than the greater good of the church.
Viewers can feel the tension at times. Berger's previous film was another critical success, a German language adaption of All Quiet on the Western Front, which one four Oscars.
The atmosphere in this one plays out differently, but is equally as brutal.
Lawrence must manage the egos of Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a liberal who is more keen on the top job than he lets on, Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) a Canadian cardinal who makes no secret of his ambition to be Pope, Cardinal Tedesco, a far-right Italian traditionalist, and Cardinal Adeyemi, a popular Nigerian candidate with conservative social views.
All is not as it seems, and there is intrigue in the plotting throughout conclave.
Isabella Rossellini is also brilliant in her role of Sister Agnes, a nun who knows more than some of the cardinals involved in plotting.
Above all, Fiennes stands out and he may well be under consideration when Oscar season rolls around.
****
