Conclave (12A)

Edward Berger’s riveting papal drama blends spy-thriller suspense with a wry observation on the electoral process.

After the Pope dies, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with managing his fellow cardinals in the conclave, navigating tension between progressive candidates like his friend Bellini (Tucci) and more narrow-minded conservatives such as Tremblay (John Lithgow), who had a mysterious meeting with the Pope just before he died. As questions arise and contenders emerge, Lawrence begins digging into rumours, all while worried that he's getting votes himself. And no one notices that Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) is carefully observing all of this.

Berger and writer Peter Straughan expertly play with layers of narrative while a solid cast brings textured characters to life. Fiennes makes Lawrence inscrutable as he grapples with his self-image, refusing to see himself as a potential Pope until the world begins to shift. His camaraderie with the skilfully internalised Tucci is wonderful to watch.

It all may be set out as a look into the workings of the Catholic Church, but it's also a clever and timely swipe at organised religion, asking questions about the truth that often gets lost in institutional power plays.