Holy smokes! This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton enter the sacred halls of Conclave, the latest thriller from Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front). Set against the backdrop of a Vatican papal election, the film dives into the labyrinth of faith, power, and political intrigue. We discuss Ralph Fiennes’ captivating performance as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the high-stakes drama of electing a new pope, and the surprising humor that keeps the tension from boiling over. Plus, we unpack the film’s visual grandeur, that audacious ending twist, and where it fits in the awards season race…You can read an edited transcript of our conversation down the page.
Conclave was directed by Edward Berger and is based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, with cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine (Jackie). Premiering in limited release on October 25, 2024 through Focus Features and has a runtime of 120 minutes.
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Transcript of our review for Conclave:
This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Jon
Welcome to Cinemaholics! I’m Jon Negroni, film critic based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Joining me from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is fellow film critic Will Ashton. And hey, when it comes to elections, I’m always going to vote for Will Ashton.
Will
Hey, it’s me, Will Ashton. Happy to be here with Jon in the conclave.
Jon
That was sort of a weird Italian accent, with a little French thrown in. Fitting, though, considering there are plenty of French cardinals. Anyway…
Will
Ho ho, it’s me!
Jon
Well hey, it’s the height of awards season. We’re trying to watch as many upcoming awards favorites as we can and hopefully talk about them. It’s an exciting time to be listening to Cinemaholics! For today, we’re diving into Conclave, a gripping mystery-slash-conspiracy thriller directed by Edward Berger.
Edward Berger recently directed All Quiet on the Western Front, a movie I quite loved. It was one of my favorite films of that year. A lot of other people liked it too, though I did hear, “Jon, you’re nuts, that movie sucks,” more than a few times. Whatever.
Will
I didn’t say it sucked! I thought it was alright. As an adaptation, though, I feel like it works more as bombastic entertainment. Is Conclave an adaptation as well?
Jon
Yes, it is! It’s based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel of the same name. From what I’ve read, the movie closely follows the novel’s narrative. So, Conclave centers on Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he navigates the intense, high-stakes process of a papal conclave following the sudden death of the pope.
The film takes us into the secretive world of Vatican politics, where 108 cardinals from around the globe gather to elect the next pope. But this isn’t just a straightforward election—there’s political maneuvering, hidden scandals, and personal ambitions bubbling under the surface. The film digs into the complexities of faith, morality, and power dynamics, offering a fascinating look at what happens behind closed doors in one of the world’s most secretive institutions.
Let’s talk about the performances, especially Ralph Fiennes in the lead role, and explore how the film balances suspense with deeper questions about belief and leadership. Will, what did you think of this one?
Will
I thought this movie was fun. Which feels odd to say, considering how serious the trailer made it look. I expected something heavy, like Doubt—serious actors talking about serious issues in a serious way.
Jon
There’s even a whole monologue about doubt. I kept waiting for Meryl Streep to show up.
Will
Exactly. But instead, it has this kind of goofy, paperback thriller vibe—almost cartoonish at times, but still firmly for adults. It’s PG, but it feels like high-stakes drama. For me, this direction suits Edward Berger better than All Quiet on the Western Front.
Jon
That’s a great point. And yeah, Conclave is engaging. It feels like we’re tourists exploring the Vatican’s ins and outs. It reminds me a bit of The Two Popes, which also delved into the personal struggles of religious figures. But while I liked The Two Popes, I think Conclave is a more provocative and well-realized film.
That said, it does feel a bit plot-heavy at times—like the story is moving characters around to serve the narrative. It doesn’t always feel organic. What’s your take on that?
Will
Yeah, I see that. But compared to The Two Popes, which felt more like My Dinner with Andre if it ended with someone becoming pope, this has a different energy. It’s more like a 90s thriller, something like The Firm—contained, high-stakes, and pulpy in a good way.
I love stories about orderly, mannerly institutions thrown into chaos. In Conclave, there’s politicking, infighting, and secrets. It’s all very fun to watch.
Jon
Agreed. It’s suspenseful but also laced with humor. And Ralph Fiennes is a standout. His performance as Cardinal Lawrence anchors the movie. He perfectly embodies the reluctant middle manager—someone dissatisfied but still trying his best. I also loved the way he handled the character’s struggles with faith and doubt. It felt raw and real.
Will
Totally. Fiennes has this presence that feels earnest and thoughtful. You buy into his moral center, which grounds the movie.
Jon
The supporting cast is great too. Stanley Tucci adds complexity as Cardinal Tremblay, while Isabella Rossellini brings gravitas as Sister Agnes. The dynamics between these characters are fascinating. And visually, the movie is stunning. The Vatican setting feels both majestic and hollow, capturing the tension between tradition and personal ambition.
Will
Yeah, the production design and cinematography are top-notch. And the score by Volker Bertelmann elevates everything. It’s atmospheric and adds to the tension without being overbearing.
Jon
Anything else to add before we dive into the Rotten Tomatoes game?
Will
Just that this is a well-acted, visually striking chamber thriller. It’s not a movie that’ll stick with me forever, but it’s fun, engaging, and much more entertaining than I expected. Definitely worth checking out.
Jon
Agreed. With its gripping performances, striking visuals, and a smart mix of suspense and wit, Conclave is a heavenly whodunnit that feels both grand and surprisingly relevant. Let’s see how other critics and audiences are reacting!
