A Compelling Take on Tradition
A conclave is defined as an assembly or gathering, especially one that has special authority, power, or influence, often referring to the meeting of the College of Cardinals in the Catholic Church to elect a new Pope. Since this meeting is private, no one besides the Cardinals knows what goes on behind those closed doors. However, many have speculated, and in 2016, a novel by Robert Harris (Munich) dramatized the conflict and politics he imagined occur. This year, his novel was adapted into a feature film and is now available for purchase on Blu-ray and Digital.
There is much to be done before the College of Cardinals is sequestered until a new Pope is elected. Dean Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes; The Harry Potter Franchise) is busy making last-minute preparations when he is interrupted by the Prefect of the Papal household, who informs him that, before the Pope died, he had requested Cardinal Joseph Tremblay's (John Lithgow; Cliffhanger) resignation. While concerning, the Dean has other tasks to attend to, and the arrival of a stranger, Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz; It Gets Dark Too Early), is just another mystery to be solved.
Over several days of debates, truths emerge, and many frontrunners for the Pope are dismissed. After an impassioned speech by Benitez, the Cardinals take one last vote, and suddenly, a new Pope is chosen. However, this Pope has secrets of his own.
One of the standout features of this film is its exceptional cast. Fiennes leads this group of seasoned actors with the reverence and poise expected of the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Stanley Tucci (Spotlight) delivers a stellar performance as an ambitious Cardinal watching his dream of becoming Pope slip away. Lithgow is passionate, and Diehz's speech about war will leave viewers wanting to stand up and cheer. Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet) is well-cast as Sister Agnes, but her character is underutilized, with the script offering little for her to work with.
Visually, Conclave is stunning. The video quality benefits from the 1080p resolution and 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The stark white of the College's robes contrasts brilliantly with the vibrant red adornments. The colors are sharp and vibrant, providing an incredible depiction of pomp and circumstance. Skin tones appear natural, while blacks are deep and layered.
The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio is excellent, offering clear dialogue and a rich, haunting soundtrack. While ambient noise is minimal, the drama often benefits from the deep silences. What audio there is remains clean and precise, enhancing the viewing experience.
The combo pack includes the Blu-ray Disc and digital download. Unfortunately, only two extras are included. While they are well-produced and provide some insight into the film's making, additional behind-the-scenes features would have been welcomed. The included extras are:
- Feature commentary by director Edward Berger
- Sequestered: Inside Conclave
Conclave is a compelling take on a time-honored tradition, engaging viewers by unraveling mysteries throughout its runtime. The ending delivers one final shocking twist in a film filled with them, ensuring audiences remain captivated. However, the real gem of this movie is its ensemble cast of veteran actors who bring the story to life with incredible talent.
With intrigue, ceremony, and human ambition at its core, Conclave provides plenty of food for thought. It's a film that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
Grade: A-
