top-notch political thriller with an excellent cast that outlines the strategies, manipulation, and persuasion accompanying a modern-day conclave.

Ralph Fiennes stars in Conclave as Thomas Lawrence, an English cardinal and Dean of the College of Cardinals. That title places him second in precedence in the Church hierarchy to the Pope, but his primary duty is to oversee any papal election. When the current Pope dies, the College assembles, with several candidates openly vying for elevation to the Papacy. They include Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellito), an Italian conservative who vows to end the movement towards liberalizing the Church. Opposing him is Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), an American liberal who has Lawrence’s backing. The other two strong contenders are Joseph Tremblay (John Lithgow), a Canadian middle-of-the-road candidate, and Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati). Adeyemi’s primary reason for seeking the Papacy seems to be historical: he would be the first African Pope.

When the conclave begins, the doors of the Sistine Chapel are locked, as per tradition, and the assembled cardinals are sequestered. A two-thirds vote is required to name a new Pope. Over several days, various candidates rise and fall in popularity, and some withdraw their names. Mostly, the movie eschews serious debate over the finer points of what “liberal” policies are at stake or other theological issues. The one exception is the candidates’ attitude towards homosexuality, which leads to one of the movie’s more quotable lines. One cardinal is described as “the man who believes homosexuals should be sent to prison in this world and Hell in the next.”

Instead of a theological debate, the contest in Conclave is a down-and-dirty political dogfight. The so-called liberals try to form an alliance against Tedesco, but other contenders have agendas and tactics. Lawrence finds himself in the middle, investigating what the now-deceased Pope did in his last hours. His investigations skirt the conclave’s rules against outside interference, under which the cardinals are oblivious to goings on in the outside world. (These goings-on include terrorist bombings directed against the Vatican.) Lawrence finds an ally in Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), the head nun in charge of those serving the cardinals during their deliberations. (The depiction of the nuns and their subservient status is one of the least flattering aspects of the movie.) Lawrence’s discovery of various forms of treachery and double-dealing resulted in the practical disqualification of several candidates. The conclave’s ultimate decision results from a bizarre form of deus ex machina that reveals various cardinals’ true natures.        

Ralph Fiennes delivers his best performance in years in Conclave, which will probably win him a long overdue Oscar (as much for being long overdue as anything else). Cardinal Lawrence is troubled, unsure of himself and his faith as the movie begins, but gradually finds himself as he makes tough decisions and spars with the various contenders. Isabella Rossellini has little screen time but makes her character the most commanding figure in the room, despite her servile situation. Stanley Tucci may also get a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination here.

Conclave provides the audience with a view of the inner workings of the Vatican, which includes the formalities that attend the death of the former Pope and the voting process that is followed. There’s nothing high-tech here. Instead, the Cardinals write their selections and drop them in a ballot box to be immediately counted, much like an elementary school election for class president would be conducted. Even the depiction of the Cardinals’ individual bedrooms is illustrative. They resemble what you’d find in a budget hotel room without décor (and, of course, no televisions).

What most people will remember about Conclave is the ending. It’s a surprise on the magnitude of The Sixth Sense. But while M. Night Shyamalan carefully dropped clues along the way to the ultimate revelation in The Sixth Sense, the ending in Conclave will come as a complete surprise. At the same time, it seems quite fitting for this movie. One thing is certain; nobody who has seen the movie will forget the ending.

Conclave's  ending is the exclamation point of an excellent movie. It combines great acting, a timely, well-written script, and an inherently fascinating subject. Sometimes, the film relies too much on coincidence, especially to set up its climactic scene. However, audiences will be caught up in the Vatican intrigue just as much as they would enjoy a similar film set against the backdrop of an American election. Look for Conclave to be a heavy and deserved contender at next year’s Oscars.