I just got back from the cinema- I must simply tell you all about Conclave (Berger, 2024).
Image credit: Focus Feature, 2024.
So, I went to see the film with my dearest friend E (she's somehow stuck around since middle school), and both of us were floored by the film.
The trailer we watched before going to the cinema (to decide what to watch) left both of us intrigued. I worried my initial opinion of the film would be disappointed, but thankfully, that was not the case. In fact, I would say that the film surpassed my expectations.
It's a beautifully paced political thriller that leaves you with barely a moment to gasp before you follow the spiralling twists and turns of the story, left only to wonder where and when the lies stop.
Review of cinematography, story, and characters beneath the cut- I have done my best to avoid anything related to spoilers, but do tread with caution just in case.
THE VISUALS
The cinematography is absolutely stunning. The use of colour, the camera angles, light, and vectors were masterfully executed. The cinematography of Conclave is exactly what I want more of in cinema- from backgrounds to costumes and everything else in-between. In particular, the reds were gorgeously saturated and bright, and stood out beautifully against the pale colours of the Sistine Chapel.
Image credit: Focus Feature, 2024.
Image credit: Focus Feature, 2024.
Image credit: Focus Feature, 2024.
I want to watch Conclave again and again, just to break down all of the hidden symbolism within the cinematography. I regret not ensuring I had a notebook in my bag today of all days. E and I were in agreement that it felt like an English lit film in the best way possible, and upon exiting the theatre we quickly started discussing the foreshadowing within the motifs and symbols of the film, and generally just gushing about how spectacular it was.
THE STORY
Without any spoilers, Conclave was absolutely fascinating. It was a delightfully tense political drama with wonderful characters who made me feel invested in the story. It should be noted that this film is about a papal conclave, and does bring up topics that may be sensitive for viewers (especially in the times we live in now) and the varying religious views on those topics that again, my be sensitive for viewers.
There were several twists and turns throughout as secrets were unveiled (in a somewhat related point, I do feel sorrow for what priests must hear during confessionals).
The film's final twists left me worried that my review would become less positive, but in my opinion I think that the film handled that very difficult (difficult within the Church and society) topic with grace, and the final message from Benitez left me hopeful that it could possibly touch others with it's simplicity.
THE CHARACTERS (or at least, some of them)
Image credit: Focus Feature, 2024.
The main character, Cardinal Thomas Lawremce (Ralph Fiennes), was a delight to watch. A flawed individual struggling with a crisis of his own faith was incredibly compelling to watch as he did his best to lead the papal conclave. I enjoyed his character very much, and Fiennes was wonderful in his role.
Isabella Rossellini shone as Sister Agnes. While initially I was sceptical of her intentions within the vicious politics of Conclave, Sister Agnès proved me dead wrong. She is an icon.
Sister Agnes being an absolute icon. Image Credit: Focus Feature, 2024.
Benitez (Carlos Diehz) intrigued me from the moment he was introduced. Because I have been playing more video games rather than watching film as of late, it frustrated me that I could not go and ask Benitez questions directly. Silly, I know.
John Lithgow's character, Tremblay, was so so easy to hate. I despised his character deeply, and seeing him make gains within the political games of the conclave made me downright furious.
Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) was an interesting character. I initially disliked him for his political views (based on what information was provided to the viewers), but after a certain twist, I was left in a confused tangle of both sympathy and remorsefulness. Repentance for past sins and mistakes is a core tenant of Christianity, yes- but the denial and obfuscation of one's mistakes for the gain of power is not something that sits well with me as an individual.
Tucci's character, Bellini, was also another character I developed very complicated feelings towards. Without spoilers, Bellini makes for a fascinating piece within the game of Conclave.
There are many other characters from Conclave that stood out to me, but I fear I would be here all night if I wrote about each and every one of them.
CONCLUSION
Go see it. It's a visually beautiful political thriller with complex characters.
So, I got new perfumes, and yes, absolutely love the one that I thought I would love, but also sprayed another one and now my entire flat smells like this one perfume, and I DON'T LIKE THIS SMELL!
