MOVIES AT LA PLAZA: CONCLAVE - The Vatican Intrigues

Movie Review by Sergio Martínez

The Pope has died, and the members of the College of Cardinals are summoned to Rome for this ancient and arcane procedure full of rituals and formalities: the conclave. During this meeting, the cardinals must elect the successor to the deceased pontiff. According to tradition, the solemn procedure is conducted by the dean of the College of Cardinals, in this case, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who must deal not only with the administrative aspects of the conclave but also with the vagaries, ambitions and polarized political views of the pretenders to the pontifical throne. If the Vatican, in normal times, is a focus of tensions and intrigues in times of papal elections, this character is amplified and exacerbated by the secrecy of many of the decisions.

One of these reserved decisions of the recently deceased pontiff introduces a first surprising element to the conclave: an unexpected new cardinal, the Latin American Benítez (Carlos Diehz), is admitted after it is revealed that it was a last papal appointment “in pectore” (the appointment of a cardinal not made public immediately but kept secret; at the end, we learn why).

As expected, the first votes do not achieve the necessary majority for any of the contenders; the “white smoke” will take time to appear while outside, an anxious crowd awaits the results. Meanwhile, the cardinals play their cards: the conservative Tedesco (Sergio Castellito) proclaims that the Church must return to a path from which the late pontiff and other “liberals” have led it astray. His ideological opponent Bellini (Stanley Tucci), on the other hand, tries to gain support under the slogan “stop Tedesco” since if he were to win, all the advances made under the previous papacy would be lost. On the other hand, Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) tries to position himself as an alternative between the progressive and conservative positions, but doubts will also arise about his procedures. The possibility that an African Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), could be anointed as Pope is also part of the game of manoeuvres, not entirely clean, that unfolds behind the scenes of the election process.

The conclave is prolonged for a few days before a winner finally emerges, but this does not end the game of mysteries surrounding the old institution but rather opens a whole new and unprecedented situation. Cardinal Lawrence can finally conclude his task.

This film directed by Edward Berger, with screenplay by Peter Straughan and Robert Harris, author of the novel on which it is based, conveys very well the atmosphere of a process that has all the traits of a political campaign not unlike those we see in other contexts, combined with the ritual and mystical elements of an institution that, by the way, claims divine inspiration, but operates with all the imperfect human qualities.

Good camera work and setting contribute to the realism of the story, especially at the moment of an incident that interrupts the election process and serves to give arguments to Cardinal Tedesco and his anti-liberal discourse. Fiennes stands out in the acting by giving his character the necessary nuances to sometimes exercise authority while simultaneously being immersed in doubts.  Also outstanding is actress Isabella Rossellini, who, as Sister Agnes, at a crucial moment, will provide information that will surprise the cardinals (“Although we sisters are supposed to be invisible, God has nevertheless given us eyes and ears”, says the nun before delivering the news).

Conclave is a film that we recommend for those interested in a good story of intrigue, suspense, and unforeseen endings, as well as for those who are captivated by the many vicissitudes of an old institution such as the Catholic Church.

Running time: 120 min.