Director Edward Berger, following the immense success of the Oscar-winning 'All Quiet on the Western Front' (2022), returns with his gripping new film, 'Conclave'. The cast is led by Ralph Fiennes, who portrays Cardinal Lawrence, a key figure tasked with overseeing the election of the new Pope after the sudden death of the previous pontiff. Alongside Fiennes, the film stars Stanley Tucci, John Lightman, and Isabella Rossellini, who plays a Vatican official. (Movie distributor NOS)
Based on the bestselling novel by Robert Harris, and adapted for the screen by Peter Straughan ('Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'), 'Conclave' immerses viewers in the high-stakes and secretive world of papal elections. The story explores the centuries-old process by which the College of Cardinals gathers in conclave to choose a new leader for the Catholic Church, following the death of the Pope. The tension is palpable as the world anxiously watches for the white smoke to rise from the Vatican’s chimney, signaling the election of a new Pope.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s 'Last Judgment' fresco towering above them, the Cardinals are locked away from the outside world, their every move and vote scrutinized in silence. The film captures the solemnity and intensity of the papal election, where both politics and faith collide.
As the conclave progresses, Cardinal Lawrence begins to unravel a disturbing mystery—one that could challenge the very core of the Church’s power and authority. The suspense builds as hidden secrets, moral dilemmas, and political intrigue threaten to destabilize the Vatican, leaving Lawrence faced with a choice that could forever alter the course of history.
'Conclave' is a riveting exploration of power, faith, and the inner workings of one of the most influential institutions in the world. With a stellar ensemble cast and a taut, suspenseful narrative, the film promises to be a cinematic thriller that blends historical drama with contemporary relevance.