CONCLAVE (in theatres)

Based on the 2016 novel by prodigious author Robert Harris, this gutsy, fictionalized peek at the secretive election of a new Pope is a rarefied and plausible take on the politics of the Catholic Church and those lobbying for its highest office. Director Edward Berger’s film resonates with political tricks and shenanigans we’ve been redolently bombarded with the past few months; regardless of spiritual hierarchy “men will be men”: envious, libelous, inebriate, egregiously ambitious, licentious; all cloaked in royal finery. The film is gorgeous, tightly framed, encased, enclosed in the artistic splendor of the celebrated Sistine Chapel; lurking, seething behind the grandeur is the unmistakable stench of deceit, intrigue, skullduggery.

Sublime acting carries the liturgical process to its thrilling, nail-biting closure: Ralph Fiennes, as the tortured, self-doubting, Dean of the College of Cardinals “Cardinal Lawrence” is piously perfect, grasping the attributes required of the pastor, prince, successor of Peter, and not wanting the position; Stanley Tucci, soars as the enterprising, aspiring “Cardinal Bellini”, desperately lusting for the job; John Lithgow, steeped in moral turpitude as “Cardinal Tremblay”, craftiness warps his creed;  Carlos Diehz plays outlier “Cardinal Benitez” newly appointed Cardinal of Kabul, Afghanistan; Isabella Rossellini is “Sister Agnes”, whose virtuous compass employs contemporary technology to determine the path to righteousness.

According to Catholic doctrines when addressing matters of faith and morals the Pope’s decisions are infallible; herein lies a conundrum; is there any man worthy, deserving of that license?

FOUR STARS!!!!

Peneflix