Conclave

There is white smoke! After the mega-success of his haunting war epic All Quiet on the Western Front (winner of four Oscars), Edward Berger has a new film ready. This time, the German portrays the power struggle within the Catholic Church, inspired by Robert Harris' 2016 novel of the same name. When the pope dies, cardinals from around the world gather for the secret election of a new pontifex. Ralph Fiennes shines as Cardinal Lawrence, who must lead these delicate proceedings in full crisis of faith. As the election progresses, the cardinals' personal ambitions become more and more apparent. A tight screenplay by Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy screenwriter Peter Straughan, stylish camerawork by Stéphane Fontaine (Jackie) and punishing performances by John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci, among others, make Conclave an intriguing thriller that searches for power, faith and humanity behind the religious facade.