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3. Ralph Fiennes Shines in 'Conclave,' the Thriller That Shakes Up the Church

Winner of four BAFTAs, Conclave, Edward Berger’s gripping thriller, delves into the heart of Vatican intrigues. Amid secret ambitions and explosive revelations, Ralph Fiennes portrays a cardinal faced with a decision that could reshape the future of the Church.

Steeped in unrelenting tension, Conclave, directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, pulls viewers into the inner workings of religious power struggles. Following the sudden death of the pope, the College of Cardinals convenes in the utmost secrecy to choose his successor. But behind the sealed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the election becomes a high-stakes game of strategy, where every gesture and every look can sway the outcome.

"In this solemn setting, Ralph Fiennes delivers a masterful performance as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College and the guiding force behind the conclave. His character, deeply tormented, is torn between his faith, his duties, and the unsettling revelations that unfold throughout the deliberations.

While Fiennes captivates with his restraint and intensity, the rest of the cast is equally compelling. Stanley Tucci plays Cardinal Aldo Bellini, a progressive figure advocating for a more open Church, while John Lithgow embodies Cardinal Joseph Tremblay, a staunch defender of tradition. Opposing them, Sergio Castellitto brings to life Goffredo Tedesco, an ambitious priest determined to do whatever it takes to ascend to the throne of Saint Peter."

Lucian Msamati portrays Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi, whose ambitions are threatened by a dark secret, while Carlos Diehz plays Vincent Benitez, an outsider whose humility may yet take the assembly by surprise. Isabella Rossellini lends a vital feminine touch to the cast as Sister Agnès, the meticulous head of the Vatican’s sisters, whose role raises a pressing question: will women one day hold a more central place in the Church?

An Immersive Staging

Guided by the inspired direction of Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is far more than just a political thriller. The film focuses on a meticulous recreation of Vatican rituals, where every detail—from ceremonial costumes to sacred rites—is carefully observed. The cinematography, by James Friend, immerses the film in soft, muted light, enhancing the atmosphere of secrecy and mystery surrounding this pivotal election.

The tension is skillfully sustained through a taut direction and surgical editing, turning each vote into a moment of gripping suspense. The score, composed by Volker Bertelmann, intensifies this atmosphere of uncertainty, where the silence of a prayer can be more deafening than a shout. The majestic sets, recreated with remarkable precision, immerse the viewer in the hushed world of the Vatican, where every shadow and beam of light shapes the heavy atmosphere of this political closed-door drama.

Conclave explores deep and contemporary themes, questioning the Church's place in an ever-changing world, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the fragility of spiritual power when faced with human ambition. Each cardinal brings a unique vision for the future of the Church, making the election all the more unpredictable and compelling.

Each revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the narrative, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat until the conclusion—both unexpected and impactful. Staying true to Robert Harris' novel, the screenplay deftly balances political intrigue with philosophical reflections, delivering an intelligent thriller that extends far beyond the religious sphere.

An Undeniable Success

A resounding triumph at the 2025 BAFTAs, Conclave secured four major awards: Best Film, Best British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. This success is a testament to its outstanding execution, earning unanimous praise from critics.

The Guardian hails it as “a captivating work that brilliantly blends suspense with a reflection on power,” while Vulture describes it as “a thriller of rare intensity, where every whisper can alter the fate of the Church.” Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter highlights Ralph Fiennes’ performance, calling it “captivating in a role defined by restraint and subtlety.”

With Conclave, Edward Berger delivers a gripping film, supported by an exceptional cast and a screenplay of formidable intelligence. At the crossroads of political thriller and psychological drama, the film stands as a remarkable work, both fascinating and unsettling.