Conclave | VIFF 2024 | Review by: Stefano Bove

What is regarded as one of the most secretive meetings in the world, conclave commences when a new pope is being elected by the college of cardinals. This meeting takes place over an unknown amount of days until a new Pope is elected. 

One hundred and eighty men stuck in a building without external connection to elect a leaders does sound big brother-y and maybe uninteresting but there is so much built-up suspense and mystery that it is impossible to look away. Even the smallest moments are built-up by the incredibly simple yet tense score by Volker Bertlemann; The subtle violin is critical to the overall film. 

The diverse and authentic cast is also noteworthy as there are cardinals from all parts of the world and provide a wide perspective on life, values and religion. Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci also have a very dynamic chemistry that can not go unnoticed.

Conclave takes us in the depths of this highly secretive gathering of world Cardinals after the devastating loss of the current Pope. As the Dean of the Cardinals, Dean Lawrence (Ralph Finnes) is in charge of guiding the Conclave and ensuring that the process runs smoothly. Obviously things do not go according to plan and the election is not as smooth as he anticipated. 

The whole process is riddled with scandalous activity that strips the Catholic Church of whatever aura it had left. The veil is removed and the highest members of the Catholic Church are revealed to be what they are, men. Men who are sinful and selfish and as they say, just trying to do their best. 

Some of the most interesting conversations in the film are the vast array of views that all of the cardinals have regarding the director of the Catholic Church. They leave much room for discourse amongst the group as they decide what direction the church should move into the future. All of the conversations are relevant conversations that the average human has towards the church and religion.   

4.5/5

Review by: Stefano Bove