I think I know what a Conclave is from reading a book when I was younger. Maybe it was Angels and Demons or something in that series? I remember the black vs. white smoke. Anyway, this was interesting. Visually set up like a series of paintings, making the whole process feel even more important and sacred.
Ralph Fiennes seamlessly portrays the reasonable yet rightfully concerned Cardinal Lawrence as he steps into his role of determining who the next Pope will be. The gravity of knowledge, the darkness of rumors, the shame of accusations – themes woven throughout this drama. Why do I always know John Lithgow is going to be the bad guy in a film? I don’t know. He’s just got that conniving look nailed down I guess. Also, I’ll take any opportunity I can to say that I love Stanley Tucci. So there.
I watched Conclave because it was free and it was nominated for a Golden Globe at the time (and now an Oscar). Wouldn’t have picked it as something to enjoy, but can admit it stuck with me. Religion can be haunting like that.