"Well...Hell arrives tomorrow when we bring in the cardinals."
The death of the Pope opens this quietly intriguing movie and signals the assembly of the conclave of cardinals to elect his successor as mysteries, scandals, conspiracies and behind-the-scenes machinations whirl behind the closed doors of The Vatican. The concept of presenting the secretive election of a new Pope as a political thriller is an interesting one, and this awards-winning film delivers the events in a surprisingly dramatic and engaging manner, whilst still respectful of the centuries of tradition, faith and ceremony involved. Ralph Fiennes is mesmerising as the cardinal charged with holding together the whole process, with Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow noteworthy as competing papal candidates in a very strong cast. The film is shot elegantly with some beautiful composition, sound design makes excellent use of near-silent moments to amplify the slightest of sounds purposefully, and the restrained but dynamic music score supports beautifully. The late shock reveal is completely unexpected, challenging and not altogether convincing, concluding this well-controlled, suspenseful, atmospheric and sumptuous-looking film.
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