Conclave
[Blu-ray/Digital Code]
Did any of us expect the election of a new pope to be so riveting? I really liked Conclave the first time I watched it in the theatres, mostly for the sly politics, wonderful performances, and surprise ending that I was sure would upset a certain kind of person. I couldn’t wait for my friends to watch it and gauge their reactions afterwards. Sure enough, the ones I thought would lose their shit at the ending for all the wrong reasons, did. And we’re still good friends after all of it. We really contain multitudes.
But Conclave would play a bigger part in my life as the Doughboys Podcast used its theme in their Munch Madness 2025 tournament; having their commissioner suddenly perish and calling for a similar “cumclave” to elect a new one. The more they referenced the movie, the funnier it seemed. So, after this second rewatch, I can say with confidence, that Conclave is both better and funnier than I remember it.
There’s something truly comical about a hundred men getting together with their weird customs, strange traditions, and flexing their muscles and influence to try and gain the upper hand. There is some hardcore politicking and maneuvering taking place, and at the same time, these men are dressed like schoolboys eating in a cafeteria together at lunch time. The prize is something that’s both meaningless to some and life-changing to others. We really are a complex people.
Conclave wouldn’t work without the wonderful performance of Ralph Feinnes who delivers an engaging, complex, and compelling performance. He’s got backup from some heavy hitters too like the Tucc and that guy who played the Roman bishop. On the other hand, I have no idea what the fuss is about Isabella Rossellini who’s in the movie for 8 minutes and has like 10 lines. She gets an Oscar nomination for that? The academy should be conclaved! (Nope, I don’t know what that means).
Conclave is simply riveting, suspenseful, and somehow makes us care about this silly process. It’s a movie you can watch and enjoy with your Christian friends. The only thing more shocking at the end would have been if the chimney emitted green smoke and they elected a frog pope.
