Salty Air

Cardinals ask, ‘Who’s next?’ in ‘Conclave’–Play It Again, Tim

Ralph Fiennes stars in director Edward Berger’s “Conclave.” (Focus Features)
Written by Tim Miller

Sometimes, just when you think you have a movie all figured out, you discover you haven’t.

That happened to me while watching the Vatican drama “Conclave” (PG, 120 minutes, in theaters).

There was a point, early on, when I thought, “Oh, please; the so-called twist coming is so obvious.” My prediction was correct. But I wasn’t prepared, at all, for where the film ultimately goes.



Directed by Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”), written by Peter Straughan (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) and adapted from a novel by Robert Harris (“Enigma”), “Conclave” starts with the death of the pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) must then convene cardinals from across the world for sequestered meetings at the Vatican, where they will elect the next pope by voting until someone receives a two-thirds majority.

Ralph Fiennes stars in director Edward Berger’s “Conclave.” (Focus Features)

Ralph Fiennes stars in director Edward Berger’s “Conclave.” (Focus Features)

This papal conclave has all of the intrigue one might find in a political convention. (“Conclave” actually calls to mind the 1964 Gore Vidal-written political drama “The Best Man.”) And it’s not just because the priests are divided into conservative and liberal camps. As some of the cardinals vie to become the next pope, the competition gets down and dirty, with back-room deals made and scandals revealed.

Lawrence finds himself in the middle of this jockeying for power and becomes a kind of cardinal-sleuth – all while weighing his own ambition and motivations.

Fiennes gives his usual powerful, intelligent performance as the often-conflicted Lawrence and is the primary reason to see “Conclave.” He’s supported by an impressive cast, including Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow as two of the cardinals under strong consideration for pope, and Isabella Rossellini as a nun who carries lots of secrets.

The story, though, never quite catches fire. Part of the problem is that, while vote after vote is taken, we can easily guess who will win. And while some of the issues discussed about the future direction of the church hold some interest, there’s not a lot of depth to these debates.

Still, the last 20 minutes or so, when “Conclave” takes an unexpected turn, gives the film more weight. *** (out of four)


** Click here for  Tim Miller’s previous movie columns for Cape Cod Wave **

Please like Cape Cod Wave  on Facebook.

Cape Cod Wave Magazine covers the character & culture of Cape Cod. Please see our Longform stories.


Tim Miller

Tim Miller

Tim Miller is co-president of the Boston Society of Film Critics and a Tomatometer-approved critic. He teaches film and journalism at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or follow him onTwitter @TimMillerCritic. Or you can ignore him completely.

About the author

Tim Miller

Tim Miller, a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics, was the Cape Cod Times film critic for nearly 36 years. A Detroit native (and hardcore Tigers fan), he’s been obsessed with movies since skipping school in 1962 to see “Lawrence of Arabia” with his parents when he was 7. Miller earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and his master’s from Suffolk University, where he taught film and journalism for 10 years. He continues to teach film at Curry College and Cape Cod Community College. He is a juror each year for the short-film competition of the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, has moderated several panel discussions at the Woods Hole Film Festival and frequently is heard as a guest on Cape & Islands NPR station WCAI. His work appeared as a chapter in the book “John Sayles: Interviews.” His favorite movie is Cameron Crowe's “Almost Famous” – because it makes him feel good to be alive.

Leave a Comment

error: Content is protected !!