Conclave Review

Conclave Film Review:

The cinematography in the film was perfect from the extreme close up of Cardinal Lawrence writing down the names he votes for to the drone shot of the nuns walking outside by the fountain which creates a sense of calmness. The detail in the close up not only constructs a sense of tension but also serves as a connotative sign implying internal conflict within the Conclave. I particularly liked how the film was easy to follow despite not knowing much about the conclave process. The movie not only explains real elements of history but also adds a dramatic spin on the voting process, this blend of the political drama and thriller genre educates and entertains the audience simultaneously. I really liked the diegetic sound of the church bells ringing as the shot cuts between the subtle facial expressions on the different Cardinals, It showed how the people in the church had turned against each other as well as how they were all suspecting each other and even presented some of them as vulnerable. The film follows Todorov's equilibrium theory as it disrupts the narrative as the pope dies and they are trying to find a new pope who has not a black stain on them and then they finally do find a new pope at the end.