While a fictional drama about choosing a new Papal leader after the death of the last Pope, the Conclave portrayed in the film seems realistically accurate and becomes quite tense as the various Cardinals continue to vote until a consensus is reached.
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the Cardinal that leads the Conclave, which becomes a political potboiler as various nominees jockey for position and secrets are revealed. Also starring is Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, a progressive Cardinal who says he is not interested in the position but obvious is. John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, and Merab Nindze all play other Cardinals. Brian F. O'Byrne plays the assistant to Cardinal Lawrence and Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes, the Cardinal's head caterer and housekeeper.
The film is directed by Edward Berger, who's camera seems to take the audience directly into the inner circles of the Vatican. The score, by Volker Bertelmann, plays an important part in raising the tension and keeping it high. The cinematography, by Stephanie Fontaine, is outstanding especially in certain scenes staged by Mr. Berger.
The film is a serious drama with a great cast and obvious Oscar aspirations, marred only by a controversial final twist that is so incredible, it devalues everything that has come before it.
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