arrives in theaters Conclavethe new political/religious drama of Edward Bergerdirector of All quiet on the front. On this occasion, the German dares with the novel of the same name by Robert Harris and to do this he brings together a luxury cast led by Ralph Fiennes y Stanley Tucci. Since its first screenings at festivals, critics have greatly acclaimed the project, which also conquered the public since its premiere in the United States back in October. In fact, its six Golden Globe nominations endorse it as one of the great titles of the year that will surely make people talk at the 2025 Oscars.
The story of Conclave It begins with the death of the Pope. From that moment on, cardinals from around the world meet at the Vatican to decide who will become the new Holy Father. The cardinal Lawrence He is designated as responsible to lead his colleagues during the election. But he will soon discover that each faction of the Church and each candidate has its own objectives and will not hesitate to do what is necessary to achieve them. So, Lawrence is immersed in a deep web of conspiracy, lies and despicable stratagems that constrains the entire process.
Conclave
Candidate to become one of the best titles of 2024, Conclave immerses viewers in a game of conspiracies and power struggles against the backdrop of the enormity of the Vatican. Berger He directs with sobriety but good rhythm and Fiennes He leaves body and soul in one of the best performances of his life.
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Score: 4 out of 5.
Succession in the vatican
Conclave has been compared from the first moment with Successionthe hit HBO series. A comparison that actually makes a lot of sense. And both productions share the same conspiracy element in which a series of very well-defined characters carry out complex and hidden plans. In the series, the ultimate goal was the family business. In the film, the throne of the Catholic Church.
Beyond that, the tone is far from being that of Succession. Here there are no glimpses of that black comedy and stark satire towards its protagonists. That doesn't mean that it isn't fun, because Conclave It gets more and more twisted as it goes. Its ending is, directly, delirious. But everything is about drama, thriller and mystery. It is a film with a sober and serene appearance that, in reality, hides its true ruthless nature deep down.
Criticism of the Church – but not of religion – is constant. Its sharp script clearly outlines the different sides that anyone minimally interested will be able to immediately recognize. On the one hand there are the liberals and progressives, on the other there is the most reactionary and conservative faction. And in between, several individuals who have no problem marrying one precept or another if that brings them closer to becoming the new Supreme Pontiff. The capacity of Conclave to immerse ourselves in the most secret ins and outs of the Church, which in our world are always intuited but never seen, is brave and accurate.
A huge movie
In Conclave, Berger fearlessly inherits the virtues of previous ecclesiastical dramas. From the name of the rose until, above all, more recent productions such as The Young Pope / The New Pope o The two popesto give some examples. The director takes advantage of the mystical and gigantic atmosphere offered by the Vatican facilities to make his characters small compared to the immensity they symbolize. Recollection, guilt, conspiracy… The Holy See houses everything between its chapels, columns and staircases.
With those ingredients, Berger weaves a diabolical network of lies and half-truths that makes Conclave A very entertaining and very meaningful film. Viewers will be seduced by the visual pleasures of a unique place and the interesting reflections it raises until, before they even realize it, they will be trapped in the labyrinth of its hypnotic plot.
The choice of its actors is also impeccable. Ralph Fiennes offers one of the best performances of his career. From containment, it hides all the thoughts and desires of the protagonist. A superb role that may well finally earn him his first Oscar after losing it on the two previous occasions in which he was nominated. Every gesture, every look and every monologue of the British exalts even more. Conclave.
In short, Conclave It is a fascinating film. Edward Berger he directs with pulse and truth a complex clerical thriller elevated by a Ralph Fiennes imperial. A perfect story for fans of the genre and for anyone looking to be entertained by the suspense of Machiavellian conspiracies and blatant falsehoods. A game of power with the physical and psychological enclosure that the Vatican exerts on its protagonists. One of the best premieres of the year.
