Conclave Movie Review

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Some of us like the action blockbusters but every now and then I'll take a gander and try the slow burn genre, especially when I'm in a plane, since it's harder to get that full cinematic experience with the aid of a tiny bud of a earpiece in economy class with an equally tiny screen.

But some movies will bring you in, screen size and the lack of surround notwithstanding and grip you in the throe of a good yarn. That's the ilk of this movie.

Now if you like to know about the mechanics of the Vatican City, take a walk over to the Dan Brown movie Angels and Demons instead, which has a certain Tom Clancy feel, in the sense that Clancy books tended to explain everything in great detail. Here, the plot is more about the twists and turns of selecting a new Pope and also the unmasking of the human personality, even in holy men. The corruption of power, pride and egos all seem to overshadow the holy roles they play but at the same time, you also see the ability of men to overcome their faults, and also men who are truly able to grasp their inadequacies and make themselves and others better, perhaps also holier.

Can a transition of power be civil? Perhaps it is hard, even for men who may lead a whole church, as we see the various candidates struggle with their own dark sides, the ability to control the power they wield and also the infulence they have on others. All these characteristics are well played by a bunch of seasoned actors who give a nuanced performance espeically Ralph Fiennes who gives a lot of depth to his role and I feel this could be his Oscar moment. The Academy likes this sort of 'good acting' type of movie and this movie is able to showcase the acting prowess of not only Ralph but a few others and come Oscar night, some will be well rewarded I feel.

On the other hand, I personally enjoyed the action thriller Angels and Demons more, with it's faster pace, the insight into the Vatican exciting me more and also the combination of action, humour and mystery. This show is a slow burner and slow reveal, something akin to the other movie that was lauded: "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)" that was another slow burner but also gave time to allow the various actors to demonstrate their acting chops and depth in expression of the various sides of the human personality.

Some may consider this for repeat viewing, but it was fine for a single watch and I'll recommend it for a watch, but for gripping slow burn plots, try the "Slow Horses" series, or even the "Night Manager" series for an impressive yarn with 'good acting'.

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