Conclave

"Never imagined this would be as entertaining as it was. Outstanding acting and sound design!"

"4.25⭐️ A slow burn, tense Vatican drama about power dynamics, ambition and corruption, all starkly unveiled in the aftermath of a pope’s death. There was certainly enough intrigue to capture my attention, though maybe not quite fully moving to the edge of my seat. But my investment level did take me by surprise. I don’t normally watch movies about religion, or the political machinations that underpin any sect. However having been exposed to some spoilery info hinting to certain themes, I had to add it to my pre-Oscar viewing. Though for anyone even mildly curious about the behind the scenes papacy election process it does dig into it in a quite revealing way. More importantly, this is both a sublimely and austerely crafted film, restrained and meticulous in all elements of production, particularly cinematography and acting. Ralph Fiennes is just simply .. SPECTACULAR. I was floored by the nuances of his performance, the myriad of subtle expressions as he processes unsettling information, carefully manages egos and motivations of other cardinals, and navigates a mystery with worldwide ramifications. The man truly gives a master class. Powerful performances from all but Ralph IS this film and should win the Oscar as far as I’m concerned. Nevertheless I’m guessing some viewers might have issues, especially with the deliberate pacing as well as concluding twist. Well both not only worked in this film but were imperative to, 1) the sort of confined ambient oppressiveness it exudes, and, 2) its inclusion of thoughtful relevant context. I would have preferred even more of the latter, for that ending to have been pushed further. Moreover, a tiny effort was made to address the subservient role of women in the church, which I did appreciate, though again would have liked that aspect explored further in the script. These two elements could likely have moved my rating to 5⭐️ Regardless, another excellent film I had no plans of ever seeing but glad I did. "

"I have no doubt that the Catholic Church would protest and speak out against this movie. Though it is a fictional story, the Catholic Church doesn't like being painted in a bad light ... Ever. It's a slow burn but worth the effort to watch till the end. After a liberal Pope passes away, the Cardinals are tasked with being sequestered to choose a new Pope. That's when all the scheming, suspicions, whispered rumors , and machinations slowly begin to come to light. A great cast has been assembled to portray the Cardinals, led by Ralph Fiennes but also including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati and others. It's all very tense and dramatic as some have strong aspirations of ascending to the pinnacle of the church's leadership. I couldn't guess the ending if I tried and didn't see it coming at all. For a movie that I didn't have an immediate desire to see, I was surprised at how compelling and well done it was. 8/10"

"A visually stunning movie with color and stunning sets created in a studio n Rome. The story is sparse but complex in its focus, shifting as the dean )Ralph Fiennes) discovers the failings of the candidates for pope. The story celebrates the aspirations to spiritual ascendancy by humans who fail their faith but try to hide their failures. Beautiful and excellent resolution."

"spoiler alert / I am torn about what to think. 3 stars? 4 stars? Then I go to 5 them back to 3. I might change my mind tomorrow. The acting, the details, the set, the level of atmosphere wow out of this world. This will be a movie that will have divided opinions but not a movie you watch twice. Slow. It will be nominated for an Oscar may win too. For me, the ending was a disappointment to the entire thriller mystery anticipation. Throughout the entire movie they make you doubt each cardinal, you wonder of a conspiracy theory, then you think manipulation then maybe murder but it is none of the above. While the ending is clear in its message and one that is not wrong, why can’t the Pope be both a male and a female (at least that’s what I interpreted), I am done with constant daggers against the Church and I’m not even Catholic. None of the other religions (men/women of religion) are 100% innocent of corruption and misconduct either. this might also be an unpopular opinion but it’s mine ;"

"Oh wow! What a movie! This is a must watch. So many important messages "

"I was surprised that this movie was really great. The acting of all the actors were superb. Kept me watching and the messages were great from Cardinal Lawrence - uncertainties to Candinal Benitez - Faith. Great movie, must watch."

"Honestly? It was alright. It did pick up as it went on (especially with the drama of someone inviting a girl to disrupt a put a man out of the running to become the next pope), but besides that? A fine movie, just not really a fan of movies that talk a lot? It does have a good cast like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. TL;DR: Good movie, I recommend it, just not my kind of movie."

"There was intrigue, secrets, and revelations! Great pacing and great acting. "

"Fiennes does everything well in everything. Same goes here. "