Movie Review: ‘Conclave’

Most religious groups are burdened with long histories of secrets, hidden agendas, covert acts and criminal activities - the Catholic Church is no exception. With the passing of a pope, tradition calls for cardinals from around the world meet in Rome to elect the next one.

Until the cardinals reach the required two-thirds majority vote to elect a new pope, they must not leave the conclave or have any contact with the outside world. The election proceedings are conducted by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

With the unexpected death of the pope, Dean Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), steps in to begin the election proceedings. A surprise to all at this conclave is the appearance of an unknown cardinal from Kabul. It is surprising because the late pope secretly made him a cardinal - no one had ever met or even heard of this person before his appearance at the conclave.

Of the many cardinals, there are four main contenders for the new position. One favors continuing the liberal ideas of the late pope. Another has more socially conservative views. Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), is aggressive in his desire to be the next pope. His main competition is Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), an Italian who wants to move the church ideology back 200 years.

The two most qualified cardinals don’t want the position. One being Lawrence, who recently attempted to resign his post. The other is Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), from the US. Before the first ballot, Lawrence gives an opening speech encouraging the cardinals to embrace diversity.

Intrigue begins after the first ballot. The opening scandal comes from the head nun overseeing catering of the conclave. She admits to Lawrence at having a son by one of the cardinals. She was only 19, he 30. Now there’s no chance he could ever be elected pope. A confidant of the late pope whispers to Lawrence that Tremblay had been fired by the pope on the day he died. As Tremblay was the last person to be with the pope, questions arise - among them, is it possible he helped the pope to the hereafter? When confronted, Tremblay is outraged at the accusation, and vehemently denies any wrongdoing. He claims he only visited the pope to say goodbye.

That is a minor issue for him compared to the evidence found proving he bribed cardinals for votes. Lawrence uncovered the evidence when he secretly and unlawfully entered the pope’s sealed apartment. Very much hidden from sight, Lawrence also finds papers stuffed behind the pope’s bed.

The papers reveal the pope had authorized and paid for a newly appointed cardinal to visit a gender reassignment clinic in Switzerland. Lawrence is compelled to confront the said cardinal for an explanation. After a lengthy conversation between the two, Lawrence decides to keep this discovery secret from the others, even should the person in question be nominated and elected the next pope.

Directed by Edward Berger (Credits: All Quiet on the Western Front, Your Honor), “Conclave” runs 120 minutes and is a “should see” for glimpses into the intriguing, secret inter-workings of the Catholic Church. The intruding story concludes with an unexpected turn of events.