Conclave is an excellent movie, one of the year’s best. Compelling story, stellar cast, deft directing. It’s a winner, a “must see.” But… be careful!

There are people who will reveal certain key plot points. And not just on social media platforms. Because Conclave is a story about the election of a pope, some Catholics—church leaders and church members—may not care for the less-than-flattering depictions of certain cardinals.

Conclave is fiction but it considers the real life conflicts within the Catholic religion between its progressive and conservative elements. The election of a new pope is a political process with similarities to governmental elections: divisions into factions, surprise disclosures, accusations and denials, downright dishonesty. 

Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with leading the election process. It’s a portrayal that will net him awards. Fiennes was Oscar nominated for The English Patient and Schindler’s List. This may be the one that gets him the trophy.

His speech to his fellow cardinals at the conclave just before the first balloting is a classic scene that he nails beautifully. As revealed in the trailer, he says, “If there was only certainty, and no doubt, there would be no mystery. And, therefore, no need for faith.” Not sure if the source of this monologue is the screenwriter Peter Staughan or book author Robert Harris but it is impactful.

Others who play key roles are Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), Italian Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellito), African Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), and Sister Agnes (Isabelli Rossellini). Also, as Lawrence’s assistant O’Malley, Brian F. O’Byrne. Quite a lineup and they all get to shine.

Conclave is in some ways an old-fashioned movie. No nudity, no sex. No profanity. No superheroes. A story that unfolds in chronological order without flashbacks. A killer soundtrack from Volker Bertelmann that amplifies the tension and suspense. And multiple memorable visuals from director Edward Berger and his crew.

The warning posted at the top of this review bears repeating. Beware of spoilers. Conclave will generate conversation and beans are likely to be spilled. Be cautious where you click.

How will Conclave play among Catholics? My guess is that reactions will cover a wide spectrum from warm embrace to dismissive putdown. On one hand, it’s a deep and illuminating dive into the pope choosing process that may be appreciated by some church members. On the other hand, it deals with backstage maneuvers in church headquarters that some folks just don’t care to know about. The responses could get interesting. Stay tuned.

Conclave is rated PG.