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Conclave (2024)

 

Conclave is a drama about the naming of a new Pope.

Edward Berger directed the film, and his direction quality has increased since All Quiet On The Western Front. Peter Straughan, who is better known for writing Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, is ambitious in his political statements, which I believe would very much alienate most religious people by the end of the film. It does overall diminish the film's integrity and value.

Ralph Fiennes plays Lawrence quite well and you can see his turmoil throughout the film. I believe there is an alternate ending that would see him in a different state by the end of the film, but alas we might never see that ending.

John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci both play their respective political pope rivals as expected. Tucci the liberal, and Lithgow is the conservative. Since the film follows mostly Lawrence there is much to be desired from both of these characters.

The film will still be nominated for an Oscar, but I found the ending too offputting. Result: B

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