Behind the scenes of a modern conclave: A cinematic thriller

The pope has passed away. The faithful will later hear about his service until the end, his hard work, and the quiet vigilance of cardinals and nuns. Meanwhile, the body must be placed in a plastic bag, put on a stretcher, and taken to the morgue. The director holds no sentimentality, revealing the reality: the pope's death means a body to be processed and a vacant throne. The cardinals gathered in the Holy Father's room are silent, but each shares the same thought: someone from this group will become the pope in a few weeks.

The conclave begins, overseen by Dean Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes). He is not thrilled about this duty; he's experiencing a crisis of faith and wants to conclude it, aiming to elect the liberal and dynamic Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) to the throne and then retreat to the convent. Little does he know, this will be the most challenging task he's ever faced, and the conclave's conclusion will astonish the world.

"Conclave" is a film adaptation of the 2016 prose by popular writer Robert Harris. Other films inspired by his books include "An Officer and a Spy," "Munich: The Edge of War," and "The Ghostwriter." Edward Berger (director of the Oscar-winning "All Quiet on the Western Front") and screenwriter Peter Straughan treated the material for what it truly is: a political thriller. Reflection on the Church's condition and its powerful figures is the underlying theme, but the individual's character is at the forefront, and ambition resides within us all. The character of Bellini urges us to examine our hearts and consider if we genuinely seek recognition and honours.

Beneath the pious foreheads of the cardinals, sharp glances dart back and forth. Should they vote for a liberal championing minority and women's rights or a conservative lamenting cultural changes? What if someone doesn’t even aspire to the papal throne? They must quickly transfer their supporters to the frontrunner to avoid being blindsided by an opponent. It's soon evident this is a strategic game, with cardinals as chess pieces. Berger illustrates this in a secret meeting where, in the dim light, only the scarlet skullcaps of clergy deciding the Church's future can be seen. The Holy Spirit? There's none to be found in these negotiations and agreements. It's pure politics with shrewd players.

Fiennes, as Lawrence, is burdened by the conclave, conflicted by his ambitions, yet dedicated to his duty. His portrayal is brilliantly human amid his turmoil. It's anticipated he might receive an Oscar nomination (it would be his third, following "Schindler's List" and "The English Patient"). Meanwhile, Cardinal Bellini, played by Stanley Tucci, commands attention with just a gesture or expression—sophisticated, intelligent, sarcastic. Meanwhile, the jovial, almost uncouth Cardinal Tedesco is portrayed by Italian actor Sergio Castellitto, gleefully eating and blatantly vaping. The cast also boasts Polish actor Jacek Koman, who plays the deceased pope’s Polish secretary. More cardinals are introduced as chess pieces, vibrant characters with personalities, passions, and vices. These latter traits, especially, will become the target of more than one faction. Among these powerful men, Sister Agnes is the only female character with a speaking role (Isabella Rossellini). A seemingly small scene will alter the course of events.

Stéphane Fontaine, the director of photography for "Jackie," is another potential Oscar nominee. Thanks to him, the screen adaptation needed minimal dialogue. He crafted scenes with colour, light, and shadow, leaving a lasting impression long after leaving the theatre. Critics might argue that "Conclave," with its immaculate visual craft, is predictable. But Berger hasn't crafted a simple crime story where a new pope’s election is the climax. Instead, it's a gripping thriller about human nature, captivating audiences with its visuals—a film that truly comes alive on the big screen. Without such imagery and cast, it could've been merely interesting and enjoyable, but Berger’s "Conclave" is a cinematic masterpiece, an Oscar dark horse.