By 
Following the death of the Pope, a Cardinal (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself at the center of a deadly conspiracy with the Church’s most powerful leaders in the tense 1st trailer for Conclave.
In the depths of the Vatican, the Pope mysteriously falls dead. The shaken Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with the arduous process of selecting a new leader of the papacy. With the world’s eyes upon him, Lawrence is forced to gather the papacy’s leaders under strict secrecy, shielding them from the world so as not to influence their judgement.
Conclave (2024) – source: Focus Features
However, Lawrence soon realizes the evil intentions of several claims to the papacy, and soon finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could change the Catholic Church forever. Will Lawrence pick a side in this holy war of words, and make it out unscathed?
Director Edward Berger imbues the 1st trailer for Conclave with all the pulse-pounding suspense of a political thriller. While faith can often be a touchy subject for a wide-release, Berger’s choices intentionally convey the gravity of the protagonist’s dilemma. The papacy sets the tone for the world’s most prominent faith. Back the wrong horse, and you allow much of the world to slide into anarchy.
Stars Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci are magnetic in their lead roles, expertly balancing their composed air with an increasingly growing panic as they grow unsure of the men they once called brothers of faith. The film’s treatment of holy men is remarkably balanced, never delving into cultist caricature but fairly depicting how selfish impulses could creep their way into the Vatican’s halls.
While other faith-based films focus on the tranquility of religious spaces, Conclave makes those same spaces feel ominous and restricting. Similar to various political thrillers, Berger has truly succeeded in making a small personal film that truly feels earth-shattering in its consequences.
Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave is scheduled to release theatrically in the US on November 1, 2024. The film stars an ensemble cast led by Ralph Fiennes.
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema – get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.
