Placing schemes for power in a religious setting, Conclave is a model political thriller. This contrasts themes of ambition and faith, highlighting the eternal struggle between flawed humans and their perfect ideals. Despite all the shifting factions and interpersonal drama, the real war is within each individual's heart. There's an ever-thickening plot, motivated characters, and moral conflicts. It's a dialogue-driven script, yet its exposition is minimal. Meanwhile, the brewing performances express a delicate range of internal layers, vulnerability, and intensity. Some might find it melodramatic, but Conclave fuses tantalizing entertainment with substantive messages.
Technically, Conclave maintains palpable tension and a versatile tone. Conveying opposition, the cinematography uses shallow focus, barriers, and understated lighting. Its editing builds suspense through careful pacing and concise montages. Smash cuts and marginal subjectivity support a stark soundscape. A defining quality, its music delivers intense strings that accentuate the material. Depicting clergy as well as symbolic colors, the production design feels both accurate and handsome. Its cast has limited star power, but plenty of prestige and fit. The effects only come into play for a single scene, yet it's a significant one. Overall, Conclave is gracefully provocative.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.2/10
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