It's centred around the events following the death of a pope and the now well-known traditional, elongated process of the cardinals picking a new one. Rafe, sorry, Ralph Fiennes (In Bruges, The Invisible Woman, Official Secrets) plays Lawrence, the (now) top bloke in charge of the procedure, ensuring that it goes smoothly and without incident. Some hope!
What comes out in this adaptation of Robert Harris' 2016 novel (so no, it's not a true story!) is a depiction of carefully constructed back-biting, power-struggles, conspiracy, bad behaviour, lies, politics and cheating by egocentric characters, apparently all fighting and manipulating each other to get themselves voted in by the others.
Fiennes' performance is staggeringly convincing, as we'd expect by now, but the other main player in the cast also thrill with what could be described as their career-best performances. Stanley Tucci (Julie & Julia, The Lovely Bones) plays Bellini, John Lithgow (Luther, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Cliffhanger, Dexter), Tremblay and Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, Immortal Beloved, Merlin), still going strong, as Sister Agnes in this Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) delight of a film.
It's all set in the claustrophobic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, start to finish with cinematography reflecting that, beautifully shot with lovely colours, as the film, at something of a pedestrian pace at times, lingers on individuals, their thoughts, moral struggles and particularly Lawrence's difficult emotional task as he tries to sort it all out - keeping a lid on any scandal potential which pops up and the impact of that on the people involved and the image of the religion.
So yes, he spends most of the film getting alongside the others, investigating claims and counterclaims of wrongdoing, guiding and counselling some, damping down the ambitions and self-centredness of others. Some who think they don't want the job - others who clearly do but not wanting to show that they do, one other, particularly, who clearly desperately wants it in order to return the religion to the old values, rather than the currently depicted more liberal approach.
Issues such as homosexuality, race, gender, equality are on the table with different characters believing that different ways forward are the right ways for the religion to go. It seems to be made as a reflection of the political processes in countries around the world, where so many of these attitudes and beliefs of the best way forward are out there and clear for all to see. At time of writing, we have just had the American swing from a more liberal democratic government to a more traditional and nationalistic republican one - and it's clear to see the parallels.
Yes, the film can appear to be slow at times, but just around every corner there's a twist or turn to surprise the audience with plenty of tension and suspense on display - including a finale which I'm sure you'll see coming, but one element of it you probably won't. I shall say no more!
It's a riveting watch even, for those like me who usually reject all things religious, as there's something for everyone, including a great score - but particularly quite superb acting from a highly respected and experienced cast. A must-see. At time of writing it's available in the UK at cinemas but also pay-to-view on two or three streaming services. If you don't have vouchers, points and other ways of watching I'd hang on until the price drops a bit though.
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