Title: Conclave (2024) Director: Edward Berger Genre(s): Drama/Thriller Run Time: 2hrs Star(s): Ralph Fiennes • Stanley Tucci • Isabella Rossellini After the death of the pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), is tasked with managing the upcoming conclave towards the election of a new pope. However, as the process of electing a new pope occurs, Lawrence finds himself unearthing scandalous secrets among the cardinals and within the Catholic Church. On the surface, Conclave appears to be a religious film, however, there’s themes of politics involved as preferred candidates to be the next pope, strive to keep their supporters loyal and maintain their personal reputation as well as the church’s reputation. Similar in a fight for the highest-ranking office in politics, there are candidates interested in the position, candidates who are not interested, and there are candidates participating as a way to take away votes from a competitor they deem unworthy. Conclave is gripping as it pushes you to question the authorities you serve, your beliefs and confront the harsh truth that not everyone within your community or church is serving for the right reasons. Lessons of maintaining high standards and integrity in leadership are prevalent as Cardinal Lawrence uncovered scandals among his fellow cardinals who aspire to be the next pope. He is faced with the struggle of upholding the virtue of forgiveness while discouraging the cardinals to continue as their appointment could damage the church’s reputation. Conclave gives an uncomfortable reality to individuals in all religious communities. Individuals regardless of their position in any church are not immune to the fallibility of human nature. On the other hand, audiences may be tempted to judge or ridicule the Catholic church based on what the film shows, even though it is dramatized for entertainment. I highly recommend Conclave for entertainment purposes only due to the fact that what is demonstrated in films may not accurately portray reality.