Conclave (2024): Faith, Morality, and Vatican Intrigue

This week’s film recommendation is the surprisingly gripping Conclave (2024). Starring big names like Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, and Stanley Tucci as the late Pope’s inner circle, director Edward Berger takes his audience on a wild ride that will leave anyone on the edge of their seat. While many note the humor behind portraying the traditional ceremony of appointing a new Pope as being a very gossipy process, the film at its core beautifully encapsulates how painful faith can be. Cardinal Lawrence, played by Fiennes, carefully treads the line between a man with a crushing responsibility at the moment where he most wants away with it. Faith and morality are questioned as Cardinal Lawrence attempts to make the best decision for the global Christian community and grapples with the internal politics of the Vatican.

Conclave (2024)

The film is far more riveting than it appears at first glance, and genuinely will grasp one’s attention whether they are invested in the goings-on of the Catholic church or not. The film unravels in a purely satisfying way, with twists and turns reclaiming your attention just as you begin to lose your way. It culminates with a twist, and manages to make a poignant statement on the state of organized religion, tradition versus progress, and the power of one man who has unwavering faith in nothing other than uncertainty itself.

Conclave is a must-watch for anyone curious about religious proceedings, the perspective of the allegedly most devout people in the world, and offers a fresh perspective of what it means to be faithful in today’s world.

This is an excerpt from our December 5, 2024 newsletter. Love this recommendation? Discover more by subscribing to our newsletter here!