CONCLAVE

You have to hand it to Robert Harris - he's a master at extracting drama out of very unpromising material, whether it be the 1938 Munich peace conference or as here the election of a new Pope.

If this film is accurate then the successful administration of the election depends on the Dean of the College of Cardinals.  Likewise the success of the film depends on who plays said Dean.  Thankfully it is Ralph Fiennes so we are in safe hands.

I had read the novel but naturally had forgotten pretty much all of it, including the shock revelation at the end, so I was able to enjoy the story all over again.

It's well put together, with good supporting performances all round by the likes of John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini.

So I don't really have any complaints except that I would have liked a few scenes of deep  theological discussion but I'm probably in a minority of one on that score.

When I read the novel I don't think I found the shock revelation at the end particularly subversive. But now, with trans rights very much on the front line of the forever culture wars, it tickled me pink to imagine what the reaction would be if such a thing happened in real-life. 

RATING: ✓ Cheers