As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the Toronto International Film Festival screening of Edward Berger’s Conclave was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride! Much like the time I tried to complete Dark Souls on hard mode without any sleep, I was initially worried that my jetlagged state would lead me to miss some crucial plot points. But just as I somehow managed to defeat the Four Kings, this film kept me alert and engaged throughout its entirety.
Today at the Toronto International Film Festival, I found myself feeling particularly anxious, a trait often associated with Eric Eisenberg, before watching director Edward Berger’s movie “Conclave”. The screening was set for 11:30am, but it was my second showing of the day and my jetlagged mind didn’t get much rest last night. Despite my eagerness to watch the film, there was a nagging worry that I might accidentally doze off during the movie, which could potentially cause me to miss out on fully appreciating it and fulfilling my professional duties as a critic.
It appears that I wasn’t affected by the caffeine from the Coke Zero I drank before leaving my hotel, as the reason for this engaging response is that Conclave is an exceptionally gripping and exceptional drama. The plot consistently introduces intriguing conflicts among its captivating characters, excellently portrayed by top-tier actors in the industry today.
The movie, titled like its source novel by Robert Harris, revolves around Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes), who is tasked with overseeing a papal conclave following the demise of the pope. At first, it appears that the secluded election in Vatican City is a contest between the popular and humble Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) and the rigidly conservative Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto). However, the initial voting round quickly disrupts this apparent two-man race.
As a gaming enthusiast, let me share some intriguing twists in this year’s awards race. Not only did more names get called than I anticipated, even Lawrence himself made the list! However, there’s a whirlwind of debates surrounding candidates like Cardinals Tremblay (John Lithgow) and Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati). To add to the suspense, an enigmatic figure named Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz), an in pectore cardinal, mysteriously appears from Kabul, Afghanistan. This is definitely going to make for an exciting showdown!
If you’re captivated by the gripping drama of “Succession,” prepare to be hooked by “Conclave” as well, although its characters might not be quite as detestable. The struggle for power surfaces in various ways as individuals compete to lead the Catholic church, and the continuous flow of scheming, gossip, and unveiling of secrets keeps you glued to your seat. As each vote is cast over several days, the alliances and dynamics keep shifting, making you wonder what will happen next. Despite being secluded, there’s a steady influx of fresh intrigue that keeps the audience on their toes.
In this compact narrative of “Conclave,” the author invests all effort into delineating diverse characters, a move that heightens suspense and sets high stakes. The political leanings of some characters could reshape the church’s future, while others are ready to go to great lengths to secure the position of pope. As an astute viewer, you can tell that certain individuals should be kept far from becoming the new pope. Reading this story, you find yourself eager to witness power slipping away from those who seemingly grasp it. This tale bears a resemblance to “Succession” in terms of the audience’s desire to see power struggles unfold.
In the upcoming months, these actors will be making a significant impact as they play key roles in the 2024 award season’s discussions. Ralph Fiennes stands out as the central figure, carrying the weight of intense stress and spiritual turmoil on his face, portraying Cardinal Lawrence navigating a papal election amid a crisis of faith within the church. Meanwhile, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Diehz, and Lucian Msamati deliver standout supporting performances that transform our understanding of their roles from the film’s start to finish – it’s remarkable to look back and see how much our impressions change throughout the storyline.
Beyond just its engaging plot, the film “Conclave” is also visually stunning, boasting a rich aesthetic that isn’t compromised by the limited settings in the storyline. The brilliant work of cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine and costume designer Lisy Christl is evident, as they masterfully create striking contrasts between red and white hues, which are nothing short of captivating. Certain scenes even echo the grandeur of Renaissance paintings, leaving viewers in awe.
I found the climax of Conclave, which left me muttering “Holy smokes!”, to be one of my favorite theater moments from 2024. Contrary to expectations, this isn’t a dull, Church-focused drama that might lull you to sleep. Instead, it’s extraordinary in every aspect and a film you won’t want to miss once it premieres on November 8. To avoid spoilers, make sure to catch it as soon as it hits theaters!
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2024-09-09 02:37