“Conclave” is a recent release by Focus Features that centres around choosing the next Pope. The film is based on the historical fiction novel “Conclave” by Robert Harris. It is an interesting concept, full of tense moments as secrets are revealed. It stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, the man in charge of the long selection process.
The pacing of “Conclave” was quick yet slow. It takes place over just a few days yet there are secrets slowly revealed throughout the film. However, the key element of this film was the score. It features many quiet moments followed by strategic uses of sound to create the tense atmosphere. There was a particular focus on the sound of Ralph Fiennes’ breathing during the quiet moments which emphasised the tension.
Ralph Fiennes delivers a unique character. He displays a calmness to those around him but secretly expresses anger in dramatic ways. Stanley Tucci, however, stole the show with his role as Cardinal Bellini. He represented a new wave of thinking within the church that was largely dismissed by voters. This could reflect some traditional church views that lack modernism.
Another interesting element to “Conclave” was the feminist undertones. Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) speaks up to a room full of men after years of being belittled. She speaks her mind and reveals the secrets of a certain Cardinal in order to make it a fair voting system.
The ending of the film was unexpected and the plot twist worked well. The new Pope represents modernity in the Church. In the end, they were the only candidate the men were comfortable voting for, yet it turns out they are not what was expected of them. It was a fresh twist and certainly not to be guessed by viewers.