Conclave — A locked room with no escape

Spoiler-free review.

The conclave is cut off from the outside world, making the characters face their secrets and ambitions head-on. Their reasons for being there are complicated but rarely fully spelled out, which gives you something to think about but can also leave you confused. The ending doesn't tie everything up neatly, which might not sit well with people who want clear answers.

The film moves slowly, making you feel the pressure of each decision made in secret. Long talks take over, and the tension comes from what's not said as much as what is. This style might turn off people who like stories that get straight to the point and lay out the stakes clearly.

Performances are restrained but effective, allowing the characters' internal conflicts to surface subtly. The dialogue often leans on subtext, requiring viewers to read between lines for full understanding. There is a strong emphasis on moral ambiguity, which grounds the film in realism rather than melodrama.

But the plot's complexity might be too much for people who don't know much about how the conclave works. The film's refusal to simplify its themes gives it depth but also asks a lot of the audience. Even with its flaws, it manages to create a tense, absorbing mood that stays with you after it's over.

2024 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.

— Desly