The Pope has died and Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes – The English Patient, Schindler’s List, In Bruges, The Constant Gardener) must lead the Conclave to select the new leader of the Catholic world in one of the world’s most secretive and ancient rituals. But as high-ranking cardinals gather, he discovers sides have been drawn and secrets that might destroy a future pope, perhaps even the Church itself, threaten to be revealed.
Following his Oscar-winning success with All Quiet on the Western Front, director Edward Berger presents us with another tale of conflict, albeit one where battles are waged in secretive tones in hallowed ancient hallways. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow are given a fantastically juicy screenplay by Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, with Isabella Rossellini almost stealing the film as the formidable Sister Agnes.
