I had actually gone to see Conclave on November 5 – the day of the US presidential election – but circumstances got in the way and I had to leave early. So I went again the day after… and, yeah, a film about an election hits a little different now. And that’s all I gotta say about that.

Conclave is about the inner workings and politics of electing a new pope after the old one ran out of batteries. Turns out all these fancy cardinals are just regular human beings with their own ambitions, plans, schemes, and skullduggery. Plus mighty fine robes.

Great cast of enrobed actors including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. If you’ve ever wanted to see a group of men of a certain age debate who should be the next pontiff, this one’s for you. It’s got all the major drama and political backstabbing, most of it fairly intriguing.

There’s a surprising moment within the conclave that leads to a debate with a good message but the result is pretty convenient, hokey, and expected. As soon as someone stands and speechifies, it’s obvious where the plot is gonna go. It makes all the strurm and drang leading up to it feel too easily resolved and kind of cheap.

But that’s just so we can get to the shocking reveal… and I’m not sure what to think about it. It creates a dramatic, ethical scenario… but it also feels like someone taking swings at religion in order to earn points. Thumbing their nose at the Catholic Church and likely all denominations. I don’t mind a little spit in the eye but, I dunno, this felt cocky instead of dramatic.

But the movie’s still pretty good and mainly gets away with it through fine acting, some good imagery, and a scenario we don’t see much in film. It’s a good, solid film… might be a bit too planned out as Oscar bait though.

Score: 87