“We’re mortal men. We serve an ideal. We cannot always be ideal.”

Cardinal Wozniak

Last year’s Conclave proved to be prophetically well-timed, with the death of Pope Francis just a few months later resulting in the secretive papal selection process that the film portrays. The new head of the Catholic church is chosen by the Cardinals from amongst their number whilst sequestered within the Vatican until they are able to reach a decision. Based on the novel by Robert Harris, Conclave is a political thriller that merely happens to unfold in the Vatican — like any voting process, there are rival factions each pushing their preferred candidate, concerned about the conservativism or liberalisation that a prospective pontiff may bring. Ralph Fiennes is intense but understated as Cardinal Lawrence, the Dean charged with managing the entire affair, central to the intrigue as he investigates secrets and scandals surrounding the contenders. Conclave’s political intrigue is largely predictable but it unfolds effectively due to the strength of its cast. Meanwhile, Stéphane Fontaine’s cinematography captures the architecture and visual splendour of Catholic pomp, with frequently arresting images through limited colour palettes, like a throng of cardinals walking through the rain in white and purple robes, faces concealed beneath white umbrellas. These wide shots serve to establish cinematic ambiance in a film that might otherwise flounder in theatricality due to its restricted locations.

8/10