Conclave Ending Explained: Breaking Down The Shocking Twist And What Director Edward Berger Has To Say About It

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As a seasoned film enthusiast with a keen interest in narratives that challenge societal norms and provoke thought-provoking discussions, I found “Conclave” to be an engrossing cinematic experience that delved deep into the complexities of power, tradition, and change within a patriarchal institution.

heads up! The article ahead is filled with significant spoilers about the ending of ‘Conclave’. If you haven’t watched Edward Berger’s thriller about the Pope yet and wish to avoid knowing the surprising climax, it would be best to return later.

Occasionally, a film emerges that has such a stunning, brilliant ending that you can’t help but exclaim aloud in the cinema. This certainly applies to the finale of Conclave, Edward Berger’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed and gripping Academy Award-winning film, All Quiet on the Western Front. This intricate, sharp, and profound drama about the death of a pope and the election to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church is a true masterpiece. As TopMob’s five-star review attests, it is one of the most highly anticipated releases in the 2024 movie schedule.

…and this is all before reaching the climactic scenes, which are among the most startling finale twists ever presented.

If you’ve recently watched a movie that could potentially win several awards soon and are curious about its surprising finale and the director’s insights on it, then stay tuned as we delve into an analysis of “Conclave“.

But seriously, if you’ve yet to watch Conclave, please turn back now…

What Happens The Conclave Ending?

In the book “Conclave“, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is assigned the responsibility of orchestrating the selection process for the new pope, following the unexpected demise of the Pope. However, this job turns out to be challenging due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the Pope’s death and the intense power struggles among the cardinals vying for control over the Holy See.

Occasionally, as suggested in the Conclave trailer, it appears that either liberal Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) or Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) could be elected as the new pope. In contrast, more conservative and contentious figures such as Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castelitto) or Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) seem likely to receive enough votes at certain points. However, towards the end of the conclave, a surprise unfolds: Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), a senior Mexican clergy member stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, who was introduced just before the commencement of the conclave, ultimately becomes Pope Innocent.

It seems there might be confusion surrounding the surprising revelation about Cardinal Benitez. It isn’t due to him being the first pope-elect from North America or his position in the Middle East (a sensitive issue throughout the movie). Instead, it transpires through an inquiry by Monsignor Raymond O’Malley that Cardinal Benitez is intersex, a fact that uncovers a new layer of complexity.

Just prior to Benetiz being unveiled as Pope Innocent in St. Peter’s Square, Lawrence challenges the pope-elect about a personal revelation. In response, they confess that they found out late in life that they possess both male and female reproductive organs. Despite showing distress over this discovery and its consequences, Lawrence takes no action to halt Benetiz from climbing the ranks of the Catholic Church. As the screen goes dark and the credits begin to roll, the scene ends.

Conclave Is About A Patriarchal Institution At A Crossroads

In essence, “Conclave” – a highly anticipated book-to-screen adaptation – presents a story centered around a traditional institution facing a significant turning point. The film portrays the cardinals from both conservative and liberal factions of the church as not merely disagreeing on the Church’s future direction but engaging in an intense, internal power struggle over their contrasting political and societal viewpoints.

What makes “Conclave” an engaging film is its thought-provoking conclusion. For centuries, the Catholic Church has been governed by men, regardless of whether they seem progressive or traditional, who have a shared desire to preserve the church as it has been, in some respects.

At the bus’s intersection, Cardinal Lawrence not only serves as the driver but also faces a crucial moment in his personal life. He is torn between standing firm and resigning or yielding to the temptation of becoming pope himself. However, this decision becomes irrelevant with the election of Pope Innocent.

Why Cardinal Benitez’s Papal Election Is Such A Radical Choice

The idea of an intergender person becoming the leader of the Catholic Church is a very radical and forward-thinking scenario, especially in an institution that has traditionally been ruled by men and also distanced itself from gender and sexual identity issues. And that’s what makes the Conclave ending and Cardinal Benitez’s papal election so shocking.

If anyone apart from Cardinal Lawrence was aware of the truth, the election would create numerous problems within the Church, making the situation fascinatingly complex. To reiterate, Cardinal Lawrence finds himself in a predicament where he can uphold the institution while allowing a worthy successor to steer it towards change or disclosing the truth, which could spark a significant rift in the faith.

What Director Edward Berger About Cardinal Lawrence’s Decision At The End

Prior to the premiere of the “Conclave” movie, director Edward Berger spoke with Eric Eisenberg from TopMob for an interview. During their conversation, he discussed the film’s ending and the fate of Cardinal Lawrence following his discovery about Cardinal Benitez. Regarding the cardinal peering through the fissures in the institution due to political conflicts and factions at odds (as well as the actual damage in the Sistine Chapel resulting from a terrorist attack), Berger explained:

In one interpretation, we’re observing an ancient or timeless patriarchal system, and at its conclusion, there’s a fissure in it. Cardinal Lawrence peers into this crack and catches a glimpse of what lies ahead. I believe he acknowledges this change. The upcoming era might not solely belong to men; instead, it could echo with the sound of feminine laughter. This aspect, I think, made for an engaging topic to discuss within the film.

Towards the end of the film, Lawrence seems somewhat relieved; this isn’t only due to the conclusion of the conclave and the lifting of the burden from his shoulders, but also because a fresh chapter in life has been proposed.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel excited about the unfolding reactions to the Conclave ending over the coming weeks and months. It’s a suspenseful wait to see how this film fares at the Oscars and other prestigious awards ceremonies. But fear not, there are plenty of intriguing 2025 movie releases that have already piqued my interest!

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2024-10-26 01:07