Robb’s review published on Letterboxd:
Formally never in doubt, even if some of its higher concepts feel shallow. Wonderful actors engaging in super serious conversations on the future of the church, with little debate as to what these differences of opinions would lead to in concrete policy. The films language uses space, shadow, light, and focus in such a classic, timeless way that doesn’t just look good now, nor is it some cheap imitation of past works, Conclave will always look good, and will always impress in its technique.
However, beyond a couple of sincere moments, the dialogue and the debate at its core does feel simplified and too focused on this idea of a wide progressive movement in a church that, despite some recent gestures, is still deeply entrenched in its traditional opinions. I did appreciate the sermon on certainty, and its relevance at the end. The political maneuvering among ancient rites and ceremony, with a noir flair uncovering corruption. Lot to love here, feels like a movie that used to get made all the time. Huge hit with my family, surprisingly.
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