Ralph Fiennes navigates political intrigue in ‘Conclave’

Take a break from American politics with the high-tension twists in “Conclave,” a fictional thriller about the secretive process to elect a new pope.

Directed by Edward Berger (the Oscar-winning “All Quiet on the Western Front”) and based on the 2016 Robert Harris novel, “Conclave” skillfully ratchets the suspense without ever drawing a gun or spouting a swear word.

Ralph Fiennes, in another supremely controlled and commanding performance, stars as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the man tasked with organizing and executing the papal conclave after the pope dies suddenly of a heart attack.

Those who want the job the most seem to want it for the power and influence: Italian traditionalist Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) wants to take the Church back to its ancient ways, Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) has a more populist approach, Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) has broad support despite a murky past and the Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) plays the part of the reluctant-yet-stubborn progressive.

Adding to the intrigue: The newly appointed Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) draws suspicious whispers from the more established members of the conclave.

Fiennes, under intense pressure, must navigate the proceeding away from a stalemate, all while uncovering various late-breaking secrets and scandals. Who was arguing with Cardinal Adeyemi in his room late at night? Why won’t Cardinal Tremblay share the details of his last conversation with the former pope? Why does it take so long for Stanley Tucci to start talking sternly to people? (Tucci talks sternly in ALL his movies).

Berger presents the film with almost as much intensity as his recent war film, most notably with a propulsive score by Volker Bertelmann and noir-inspired cinematography by Stephane Fontaine.

The Fiennes performance keeps it all under control, even as the story stacks one twist on top of the other. Though often recognized for his disturbing villain roles (“Schindler’s List,” the “Harry Potter” franchise), the actor is also a master at portraying inherently good men who face excruciating pressure. It may not be the showiest performance of his career, but it could still be the one that finally lands him an Oscar.

There’s a debate to be had about whether “Conclave” attempts one too many twists before the new pope is announced. With or without it, the film has plenty to say about modern politicking without beating its themes over the audience’s head.

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Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.

    This image released by Focus Features shows Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, right, in a scene from "Conclave."