Conclave

You’d think I’d be put off by the sight of so many priests and nuns, but I guess miracles can still happen. In fact, this film is good enough to overcome any religious biases one might have. The story is fascinating, absorbing, entertaining, enlightening and and even somewhat inspiring in its faithful dimensions. The performances of the principal players are note-perfect all the way around, especially Ralph Fiennes as the dean in the titular gathering’s lynchpin role. And, last but not least, the presentation is a visual feast, with the spectacular scenery of the Sistine Chapel playing at least as prominent a role in the story as any of the actors. One might quibble that there’s a certain predictability in the plot's outcome—in the broad stroke, not so much the final twist—but that hardly spoils the full experience. Ultimately, this is as much a tale of ideas as it is a chronicle of any human actions, and it’s in those thoughts and concepts and beliefs where the work finds its fullest depth. The church may have gone astray, but there is, or once was, something that means a great deal to a great many, and this movie argues that a kernel of that core belief still has a place in this world. Must-watch stuff.