Conclave Christian Review

Conclave is one such movie which not only engages you with its suspense and thrill but also forces you to think about your life and faith with its deep questions. First of all, what this film shows is the politics, corruption and complexities of human nature going on inside an institution. There is a big truth hidden behind a layer of the things that people do for their own interests. And when that truth clashes with faith and moral values, then the story becomes even more intense.
Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, is a layered and conflicted character. On the one hand, he understands his duty, on the other hand, he is also doubting his faith and beliefs. His inner struggle seems exactly like the one we all face at some time or the other in our lives, when we try to maintain a balance between our personal beliefs and the expectations of the world. Lawrence’s dilemma is a reflection of those moments which we all definitely feel at some point in our lives.
Now there is another complex layer in the film—Archbishop Benitez. He is an intersex character and he has a personal secret, which is one of the main themes of the movie. The struggle that Benitez has to face with his identity and gender brings a unique and emotional angle to it. The movie asks how faith can understand our dignity, no matter how different we are from society’s thinking. Lawrence’s decision to keep Benitez’s secret shows a deep moral choice—that sometimes, compassion and mercy are more important than truth.
But Conclave doesn’t stop at just sensitive issues. The real punch is in the dark power games that go on inside the Church. The election process is presented as a chaotic and manipulative fun where people are willing to do anything to achieve their ambitions. The film shows us how human flaws and greed can overshadow spiritual calling. The church, which is supposedly a moral and righteous institution, is also affected by its internal politics and corruption. This gives the realization of how every institution—be it religious or political—is affected by human nature.
And these moral dilemmas are also a strong part of the film. When Lawrence has to decide whether to keep Benitez’s secret or not, it is a very tough choice. This is a lesson in yourself about the degree to which our faith should be balanced with our personal ethics and values. Lawrence’s decision is a reminder that at times, we have to give more importance to our compassion and mercy, which are core values of Christianity.

The technical aspects of the film are also solid—first of all, the suspense is quite well-executed. Ralph Fiennes’ performance is quite strong, and the atmosphere created makes the film even more engaging. The contrast between the grandeur of the Vatican setting and the manipulation going on within it makes the film even more layered. This film is quite engaging, but at the same time it also forces you to think a little.
If you think that this is just a typical thriller, then you are wrong. Conclave can make you understand a lot through its plot, especially when it comes to understanding your personal beliefs and the conflicts of the world. This film is worth watching for its complexity and depth, and those who want to think about their values and integrity should definitely watch it. The film embraces moral ambiguity that forces you to consider how you stay true to your faith when the world creates such challenges around you.
If you want to understand the intersection between your faith and human nature, Conclave is a must-watch. The film starts a very important conversation with its suspense and moral dilemmas—about how we can view our decisions and choices through the lens of faith when the world is always complicated and contradictory.