"Conclave" Movie Review

After having Conclave on my radar for a few weeks, I was eager to see it. Eagar in the sense that I was looking forward to figuring out where this movie about cardinals electing a new Pope went wrong. On one hand there’s been talk of Conclave being a wonderfully-acted melodrama with potential Oscar nominations down the road, on the other there are murmurs of disgust from Catholics and caution to stay far away from the film. I was curious to see what about it warranted such strong reactions.

I went into the theater knowing nothing beforehand. Not long into the movie it was apparent where it veered off the tracks. It only got progressively worse until it reached a finale that was meant to feel happy and hopeful but only left me with feelings of sadness over the world’s confused interpretation of the Catholic faith.

To start with some positives: it truly is a well-directed, well-shot, well-acted film. The use of cinematography and color is striking and beautiful. Often the cardinals’ red cassocks provide the only splash of color against the white or grey background of a shot. The acting is solid all-around with Ralph Fiennes doing a fantastic job as the lead. The film is reminiscent of classic courtroom dramas, 12 Angry Men comes to mind, and other such films of the 50s and 60s. The score enhances this feeling with its creeping violins and tip-toeing tones. If this film had simply presented itself as a mystery with melodramatic twists and turns, I believe it would have done just fine; but instead, it had to take things a step further.

Conclave has a cynical, criticizing tone towards Catholicism. Rooted in this negativity, the film centers around the idea that there is no certainty in the church, that uncertainty is in fact a good thing. Every cardinal in this film is only working towards his own selfish gain. It displays the church as filled with self-centered, corrupted clergy who are all untrustworthy and egotistical.

Along with the thesis that “certainty is sinful” the writers conclude that the route the Catholic Church should take is to join with the relativism that is toted as sacred by our secular society and to not fall back into the “dark days" of tradition. To move forward by never going back. The concept that Catholics can be kind to all people while still staying true to the tradition and teachings of the church is one that is neither practiced nor considered by these fictional cardinals.

They are too caught up in their political positions to give much mind to what church teaching or the Bible might have to say about their situation. To quote Bishop Robert Barron’s review “Conservatives are xenophobic extremists, and the liberals are self-important schemers. None can escape this irredeemable situation…my advice is to run away from it [Conclave] as fast as you can.”

While running away from this movie is certainly a valid option, I would add that sitting down to watch it is also acceptable. While it is a ridiculous portrayal of Catholic doctrine, there is some merit to be found it watching it and taking time to discuss it with fellow Catholics. It helps us to see the lies the world believes about the Catholic Church, and it strengthens our resolve in what we know to be true: there is certainty to be found in the absolute truths of our faith, there is sacredness in tradition, and the answer to reaching a broken world is not to become like the world but to be set apart in kindness, selflessness, and love.