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Ralph Fiennes Leads a Riveting Religious Thriller in Conclave
Sep
As a cardinal facing a crisis of faith, Fiennes dominates this twisty drama.
The Catholic Church, with its centuries-old traditions and enigmatic inner workings, provides a fertile backdrop for a gripping thriller in Conclave. Ralph Fiennes stars as Father Lawrence, a cardinal plagued by a deep crisis of faith following the sudden death of the Pope. The film centers on the intense and secretive process of electing a new Pope, where the cardinals’ political maneuvering and personal ambitions come to the fore.
As the cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect the next leader of the Church, the ideological battle between conservative and liberal factions becomes a fierce struggle for control. The story delves into the high-stakes world of religious politics, where secrets are unearthed and ambitions clash, painting a picture of a Church at war with itself.
A Tense and Elegant Performance
Fiennes delivers a masterful performance as Father Lawrence, embodying a man torn between the rules of the institution and the moral imperative to do what is right. His portrayal of Lawrence is one of quiet dignity, marked by a deep sense of world-weariness and a relentless internal struggle. Fiennes’ nuanced performance explores the cardinal’s advocacy for doubt over certainty, encapsulated in a powerful sermon: “Faith is a living thing because it walks hand in hand with doubt. With certainty, there is no need of faith.”
Director Edward Berger expertly heightens the tension, weaving together a narrative that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Berger’s visual style complements the story’s gravity, utilizing the stark contrast of black and white marble and Renaissance architecture to evoke the solemnity and grandeur of the Vatican. The cardinals’ black and white umbrellas, juxtaposed against the rich reds of their vestments, visually reinforce the film’s themes of tradition, power, and mystery.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Fiennes is supported by an exceptional cast, including Stanley Tucci as the progressive Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as a sanctimonious curate, and Carlos Diehz as the contemplative Cardinal Benitez. Isabella Rossellini shines as Sister Agnes, a nun who becomes an unexpected force for justice. Her portrayal evokes the spirit of her mother, Ingrid Bergman, lending an air of classical rectitude and iconoclasm to the role.
An Unexpected and Thought-Provoking Finale
Conclave is filled with unexpected twists, culminating in a final reveal that will leave viewers stunned—a rarity in contemporary filmmaking. The film probes the gap between the Catholic Church’s historical sins and the essence of true faith, challenging audiences to reconsider the nature of belief and the human condition. Ultimately, Conclave champions a Church that embraces all beings with God’s love, while still leaving room for doubt, for without doubt, there is no need for faith.
