Ralph Fiennes’ ‘Oscar-worthy’ new film Conclave will provoke the Vatican-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Conclave is an intriguing drama depicting the human side of Cardinals (Picture: Focus Features)

Conclave is a welcome ‘grown-up’ drama for 2024 that delves deep into the intrigue of the Vatican – and gives Ralph Fiennes the best chance at an Oscar in years.

Directed by Edward Berger – hot off the success of 2022’s award-winning All Quiet on the Western Front – and based on the 2016 novel of the same name by best-selling author Robert Harris, the movie has solid foundations.

But what helps it sing is the quality of its cast, with Fiennes supported by the likes of Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati and Isabella Rossellini.

Conclave begins with the death of the previous Pope and follows Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) as he is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and long-standing ancient rituals – that of the selection of his successor.

However, he soon finds himself drawn in to the centre of intrigue and conspiracy that threaten the future of the Catholic Church.

This is actually the third film about Popes and the Vatican I’ve seen at the London Film Festival over the years (The Two Popes and We Have a Pope being the others – the process proves fertile filmmaking territory), but this one gets the most down in the dirt with rival factions, bitching and a fair amount of backstabbing.

Ralph Fiennes shines as Cardinal Lawrence, alongside Stanley Tucci’s Bellini (Picture: Focus Features)

It’s unlikely the Vatican will be thrilled with those elements of the narrative, but Conclave is a film that doesn’t shy away from the deeply political nature of electing a new Pope, as well as the ambition that many Cardinals will have to assume the mantle next.

Once the Cardinals go into seclusion in the Sistine Chapel during a papal concave, it’s also a popularity contest. Some of the more likely candidates to emerge are Tucci’s Cardinal Bellini, the liberal candidate, and Sergio Castellitto’s Tedesco, who is determined to revert to the old days of tradition.

Bellini, played with Tucci’s trademark quiet wryness, borders on radical with his views, played for laughs when he sets out what his supporters must relay to others in their quiet campaign for him, which includes birth control and support for gay marriage. However, when he declares that women should be afforded positions of authority in the Catholic Church, that is the step at which the Cardinals audibly baulk.

Conclave is a gentle thriller, with ironic and slightly dark humour, and is the type of prestige mid-budget film that’s increasingly hard to make these days. But it proves that the endeavour is worthwhile still in a world of sequels, remakes and blockbuster budgets.

Conclave employs ironic humour in its examination of the inner workings of electing a Pope (pictured is John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay) (Picture: Focus Features)

It’s shining star is Fiennes with a fascinatingly nuanced portrayal of a moral man trying to lead with his faith through a conclave filled with dilemmas as scandals are uncovered. Lawrence is not a showy part – in fact, he’s essentially the straight man role to everyone else’s eccentricities – but Fiennes’ interior acting is second to none, constantly pulling the audience back to want to gauge his reaction.

That he’s not landed an Oscar yet in his career, after nominations for The English Patient and Schindler’s List and consistently impressive performances across decades, is quite baffling. But Conclave should comfortably see him in contention.

Rossellini is also masterfully understated as Sister Agnes, a nun who runs the Casa Santa Marta where the Cardinals stay during the papal conclave – and does not suffer fools gladly. Her part may be disappointingly small, but she still has great impact.

Isabella Rossellini’s part should be bigger, but she’s excellent (Picture: Focus Features)

The end of the film is one that you’re unlikely to see coming, and may spark some backlash. But it also feels timely in the way it positions the Catholic Church in the centre of modern life.

Conclave also goes a long way in making religion accessible and relevant to those who may not have interest in it usually by focusing on the humans at its centre.

Conclave screened at the BFI London Film Festival on October 10. It releases in UK cinemas on November 29.

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