Review: 'Conclave' brings fictional Church politics down to earth

Concerned with a very different kind of election, the fictional politics of the Catholic Church heat up in the new drama film “Conclave,” now in theaters. It’s the latest from director Edward Berger, whose previous work includes “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

The premise of “Conclave” aligns with Catholic tradition: A pope's death brings together the College of Cardinals for a conclave to select a new Bishop of Rome. Familiar traditions are present, including the cardinals meeting at the Vatican and the smoke being either black or white to let the world know a new pope has been selected. What makes the movie captivating are multiple twists and turns in the process and performances by a talented cast. 

Ralph Fiennes gives a riveting performance as Cardinal Dean Lawrence, who presides over the conclave. He strikes the perfect tone and temperament in balancing the viewpoints of the cardinals as they determine the next shepherd of the church. 

Fiennes is supported by the talents of John Lithgow (Cardinal Tremblay), Stanley Tucci (Cardinal Bellini), and Lucian Msamati (Cardinal Adeyemi). Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes, who leads a team of women religious who prepare the Vatican for the cardinals each day of the conclave. Her performance magnificently highlights how religious women are considered within the Church. 

This film is the first for Carlos Diehz, a Mexican actor who plays Cardinal Benitez from Afghanistan. With it being his first conclave, he shakes up the cardinals in unexpected ways.

The Catholic Church has a distinct hierarchical structure that most often doesn’t include the laity. This trickles down to important decision-making, such as who becomes a bishop, or which bishops become cardinals. All of these decisions are made by the pope and his advisors, typically culled from the College of Cardinals he helps create.

This structure naturally creates political nuances within Church leadership. The fun of “Conclave” is its willingness to embrace this dynamic between the cardinals, giving them more humanity. Amidst the grandeur and tradition of our faith, the cardinals in the film are men with flaws and challenges, just like all of us.

The movie also allows everyone to ask themselves: “What makes a good pope?” The movie defines it so the audience understands how the new pope is chosen, but it also shows how opposing views play a role in selecting new leadership. 

For American Catholics in a pivotal election season, the movie feels very relatable. We are bringing our goodwill, flaws, and challenges with us as we elect the new leader of our country. And when the election is over, no matter who is elected, we will have to find a new way forward together, just like the cardinals in “Conclave.”

Overall, in its two-hour run time, “Conclave” captivates as it explores the intricacies of Catholic Church leadership and brings back down to earth those serving in the highest positions within our faith. 

Samantha Smith is a copy and content writer based in Atlanta. She worked for the Archdiocese of Atlanta for nearly a decade in various roles, including as a staff writer for The Georgia Bulletin, where she won numerous Catholic Press Awards for her writing and social media campaigns. Connect with Samantha by following her Catholic blog, Spirit and Sparkle, and her Twitter/X at @BeimaxCreates.

Want to support the work of BCM? You have options.

a.) click to give (fee-free) on Zeffy

b.) click to give on Facebook