German director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) masterfully weaves intertwining storylines to create an ever-shifting narrative. As soon as you think you have a handle on who has the power, the focus shifts and realigns your attention. This approach remains consistent until the end of the final reel.

Ralph Fiennes gives a powerful performance as Cardinal Lawrence. He is tasked with running the College of Cardinals as they gather in seclusion to choose the new Pope. He is still mourning the loss of the Supreme Pontiff but has to put his personal feelings aside. He is a modernist and puts his efforts into keeping a liberal Cardinal as the front-runner for the top spot.

Anyone thinking the Catholic Church and the Vatican in particular isn’t after all just a business will revel in the way the church is presented behind the scenes. The hierarchy follows the corporate structure and the grabs for power presented here would fit comfortably in a top-floor boardroom. The ever-changing power dynamic keeps you interested until the final extraordinary reveal.
Rob Hudson
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Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.

Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.

CONCLAVE is directed by Edward Berger and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.

CONCLAVE is coming to Australian cinemas on January 9, 2025.
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