Conclave is a rollercoaster ride through the Vatican’s VIP lounge

My initial thought going into Conclave was “Who wants to watch a film about Cardinals shuffling papers?”  l will admit Angels and Demons was enjoyable but it also benefited from Tom Hanks and Dan Brown’s popularity at the time.  Conclave on the other hand sounded beyond dull… boy did I misjudge.

I watched Conclave with my mother, who had already figured out the shocking ending in the first half hour.  Meanwhile, I was trying to remember which Cardinal was which, like a game of Where’s Waldo? with a mitre.  As the stream of twists emerged it became increasingly clear these “holy men” were filled with the same vices and lust for power as everyone else.  Tasked with deciphering these human foibles is the formidable Ralph Fiennes.  Fiennes is authentic and intense serving as the bedrock of this film.  The persistent close-ups on Fiennes drawn-out face illustrate the stress of an outdated Church.  The supporting cast is equally impressive with Isabella Rossellini’s brief but powerful turn as Sister Agnes.  Rossellini’s’ smirk in the cafeteria says everything you need to know about the treatment of women by their counterparts.  One can even say that Sister Agnes is invited to the Conclave but only gets to stay for the hors d’oeuvres.

The finale of Conclave leaves a tense revelation that would make Agatha Christie proud.  Despite the solemn subject matter this movie is so much fun.  Thought provoking and carefully crafted, I eagerly awaited each revelation and I was never disappointed.  Playing with a holier than thou attitude Conclave will surprise you by how much you will enjoy it.