A conclave is the assembly of Catholic cardinals from around the world, convened in isolation and secrecy following the death of a pope, to elect his successor from among their own ranks within the Curia. At the center of this process is Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), a dean tasked with overseeing the proceedings in the Vatican. Several frontrunners quickly emerge: the assertive Italian, Tedesco (Sergio Castelitto); the conservative African Cardinal Adayemi (Lucian Msamati); the liberal Bellini (Stanely Tucci); and the seemingly devout American, Tremblay (John Lithgow), who held a final, enigmatic meeting with the late pope. The film explores whether appearances can be trusted and what hidden motives and secrets might surface during this age-old ritual.
Konklaven (Conclave) presents a surprisingly relevant narrative, particularly given recent health concerns surrounding Pope Francis. The film evolves into a compelling blend of thriller and introspective drama, examining themes of faith and conscience. While often understated, the performances are consistently strong, with moments of unexpected intensity. While a film centered on a papal election might seem an unlikely source of entertainment, director Edward Berger (All quiet on the Western Front), coupled with Fiennes’s compelling portrayal and Peter Straughan’s Oscar-winning screenplay (based on Robert Harris‘s novel), elevates the film to one of the past year’s most memorable and impactful works. Despite its subject matter, the film avoids becoming a didactic piece of religious propaganda, instead offering a nuanced exploration of contemporary themes that resonate throughout, culminating in a thought-provoking conclusion. Furthermore, it is refreshing to encounter a film with religious themes that eschews both horror and scandal.
Konklaven is available in a UHD 4K edition; however, it is not being released in Sweden, limiting viewers to the Blu-ray version. Some online criticism has noted that the 4K version appears excessively dark. Considering that Conclave is already set within dimly lit ecclesiastical environments, the Full HD version may offer a preferable viewing experience (although we have not directly compared the two). The perceived darkness in some 4K editions can be attributed to the higher demands HDR places on the home theater setup compared to SDR (Blu-ray), as many current image sources struggle to properly manage HDR and tone mapping. Furthermore, 4K versions often utilize different compression methods (more efficient but potentially harsher), which can also contribute to a darker image.
There is much to appreciate when viewing Konklaven, from the skillful cinematography to the meticulous set design. The Vatican’s accommodations were recreated with remarkable accuracy at Cinecittà in Rome, even down to the specific fluorescent lighting (a detail confirmed by a priest who has resided there). The vibrant colors of the cardinals’ robes against the backdrop of Italian white marble, along with the carefully composed shots of cardinals processing under umbrellas toward the voting chamber, evoke a compelling cinematic atmosphere within the home theater on our reference-OLED Panasonic Z95A. The film’s measured pacing allows its visuals to unfold deliberately, without feeling sluggish or tedious.
The audio track is presented in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, providing crisp and clear dialogue complemented by Volker Bertelmann’s distinctive and impactful score. The score often features minimalist instrumentation, such as solo strings, that effectively punctuates scenes and enhances the emotional impact. The sound design also effectively captures the scale and reverberation within the halls, further immersing the viewer in the narrative despite the absence of action-oriented sequences.
Regrettably, the Swedish release lacks supplemental features, a recurring issue noted by Henric in recent reviews, which is disappointing for collectors, especially when digital platforms like AppleTV (iTunes) frequently offer such content.
Summary Konklaven
Do not be misled into thinking that Konklaven is a slow-paced film focused solely on Catholicism, popes, and cardinals. This is an intelligent and engaging drama-thriller that will surprise and move viewers who give it a chance. The film explores themes of human psychology, the pursuit of power, secrecy, intrigue, and moral dilemmas without resorting to heavy-handedness or condescension. In our assessment, it stands as one of the year’s most compelling and entertaining films, alongside Dune: Part Two, and is essential viewing for those who appreciate cinematic excellence. Furthermore, the rumors of Edward Berger’s consideration to direct the next James Bond film serve as a further testament to his directorial skill.
