As a 21-year-old Black man navigating college, identity and life in a society that constantly challenges who you are and who you’re becoming, I didn’t expect “Conclave” — a film about cardinals choosing the next pope — to resonate with me. But surprisingly, it did. Directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, Conclave is a slow-burn political and religious thriller that digs deep into power, morality and personal conviction — themes that go far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
The plot centers around Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes), who is tasked with leading the secretive process of electing the next pope after the sudden death of his predecessor. The story unfolds almost entirely within the closed doors of the Vatican, where tradition reigns and secrets are buried deep. But as Lawrence begins to uncover hidden truths about the Church’s inner workings — and about himself — the process becomes less about faith and more about confronting hard realities.
What stood out most to me was how the film uses its setting to explore real, human tension. On the surface, it’s about cardinals debating theology and legacy, but underneath that, it’s about men wrestling with power, regret and identity. As a young Black man trying to figure out who I am in the middle of my own journey — academically, spiritually and culturally — I could see myself in Lawrence’s inner conflict. He’s a man who believes in his faith, but he’s also not blind to the hypocrisy and corruption around him. That kind of dual awareness hit home for me. A lot of us live in spaces where we care deeply about the communities we’re a part of, but we also have to question the systems within them.
Visually, the film is stunning. The cinematography captures the grandeur of the Vatican but also the claustrophobia of the conclave itself. The cardinals are trapped in a space filled with centuries of tradition, and the film makes you feel that pressure. The lighting is dramatic, almost symbolic of the darkness and light in the decisions being made. The score is haunting, subtle and powerful — it adds to the gravity of the moment without being overbearing.
The cast delivers serious performances. Fiennes carries the emotional weight of the story well — quiet, conflicted, and always composed on the outside, while you can tell there’s a storm brewing internally. Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini adds charm but also complexity to the balance between progressive thought and traditional dogma. The characters aren’t just religious figures; they’re people with real insecurities and ambitions. That human element makes the film more accessible, even for someone like me who isn’t Catholic or super religious.
However, I can’t ignore the lack of diversity in the cast. It would’ve been powerful to see more representation, especially in a global church like the Catholic Church, where Black and Brown Catholics make up a significant portion of the faith. That absence felt like a missed opportunity to reflect the full scope of the institution’s reach — and the real people it impacts.
Still, “Conclave” is a gripping, thoughtful film that caught me off guard in the best way. It’s about leadership, faith and facing uncomfortable truths — themes that matter whether you’re in a Vatican conclave or sitting in a college lecture hall trying to make sense of your future.
Rating: 8.5/10
