Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, participating in the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.

Edward Berger cements his status as one of contemporary cinema’s most visionary filmmakers with Conclave, a haunting and masterfully crafted tale of political intrigue and spiritual crisis. This is a film that grips you from its opening moments and holds you in its thrall until its final, soul-stirring frame. Adapted from Robert Harris’ novel, Conclave unfolds in the aftermath of the pope’s death, as the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new pontiff. At the centre of this intense drama is Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), a man grappling with his own crisis of faith while navigating the treacherous political machinations within the Vatican. Berger’s direction transforms this story into a gripping thriller, one that feels both deeply intimate and grand in its scope.

Ralph Fiennes delivers what might be the performance of his career as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence. His portrayal is layered and profound, capturing a man torn between duty and doubt, conviction and despair. Fiennes commands every scene, imbuing Lawrence with a quiet intensity that becomes all the more compelling as the film’s secrets unfold. His nuanced performance reveals a man at war with himself, his faith tested to its breaking point as he confronts the weight of his responsibilities and the darkness within the institution he serves.

What sets Fiennes apart in this role is his ability to convey the internal conflict of Cardinal Lawrence with minimal dialogue, using subtle shifts in expression and body language to communicate the profound turmoil beneath the surface. From the quiet moments of prayer, where his eyes betray a haunting sense of doubt, to the explosive confrontations with his fellow cardinals, where his voice quivers with a mix of anger and desperation, Fiennes brings a raw vulnerability to the character. His portrayal is a masterclass in restraint, allowing the audience to feel every ounce of Lawrence’s struggle without ever overplaying the drama. As the narrative progresses and secrets are unearthed, Fiennes’ performance only grows more riveting. He captures the heartbreak of a man who begins to see the cracks in the very foundation of his beliefs yet must maintain a facade of strength and composure in the face of mounting pressure. The layers of his character unfold with each revelation, culminating in a series of emotionally charged moments that are as devastating as they are cathartic. His performance anchors the film, providing a deeply human perspective amidst the grandeur and political intrigue of the Vatican.

The supporting cast is equally stellar, each bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Stanley Tucci shines as Cardinal Bellini, whose liberal ideals clash with the institution’s traditions, yet who remains a trusted confidant to Lawrence, even if in this feverish election for the papacy, their opinions begin to clash. John Lithgow is delightfully sinister as the manipulative Cardinal Tremblay, his ambitions simmering beneath a veneer of civility. And Isabella Rossellini is a revelation as Sister Agnes, the enigmatic keeper of the Vatican’s deepest secrets. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety, adding a layer of mystery and wisdom to the narrative.

Visually, Conclave is nothing short of breathtaking. Stéphane Fontaine’s cinematography captures the grandeur and opulence of the Vatican with a painterly quality, evoking the works of the Baroque masters. Every frame is meticulously composed, a testament to Berger’s exacting vision. Complementing this visual splendour is Volker Bertelmann’s hypnotic and operatic score, which elevates the film’s emotional and thematic weight.

At its heart, Conclave is more than a political thriller. It is an exploration of faith, truth, and the human condition. The film poses challenging questions about belief, integrity, and the nature of power, all while maintaining a taut narrative pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant, a rare combination that sets it apart as a cinematic triumph.

Conclave is a testament to the power of cinema to provoke thought and stir the soul. With Edward Berger’s masterful direction, Ralph Fiennes’ towering performance, and its rich tapestry of themes and visuals, this is a film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

Image: Roadshow Films

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From Kerikeri to Dunedin, the festival will screen from 23 October to 13 November, with five new locations making this the biggest British & Irish Film Festival to date.

Festival Director Fergus Grady is “excited to add Howick in Auckland, Napier, Whanganui, Masterton, and Rangiora to this year’s festival circuit” and plans on growing the festival further into regional New Zealand in the coming years.

Opening the festival direct from TIFF & Telluride film festivals comes Conclave starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, & Isabella Rossellini. Audiences have been wowed by the film and the premiere was full of gasps, cheers and applause, with the film now being widely discussed as a potential Oscar winner. Ralph Fiennes is also at his charismatic best in The Return, in which he stars alongside the fantastic Juliette Binoche in their first on-screen pairing in 28 years.

The line-up is full of further star-studded performances, including Andew Garfield & Florence Pugh (We Live In Time), Pierce Brosnan, Gabriel Byrne & Helena Bonham Carter (Four Letters of Love), Jude Law & Alicia Vikander (Firebrand), and Barry Keoghan (Bird).

The festival will host the New Zealand premieres for six documentaries, and a live concert which highlights the career of British band bLUR. Not to be missed is a documentary about the production company Merchant Ivory, which produced some of Britain’s most successful films from the 1960’s-90’s, including their most lauded films Howard’s End & The Remains of the Day. These two Oscar nominated films have been restored in 4K and are ready to be enjoyed on the big screen again as part of the festival.

Check out the full program below:

Opening Night Film

CONCLAVE: From Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is a riveting religious thriller that follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events–selecting a new Pope. Based on the international best-seller by Robert Harris, CONCLAVE centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.

Centre Stage

THE RETURN: Reunited for the first time since The English Patient, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this gritty retelling of Odysseus’ return home from war. After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. The King has finally returned home but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.

WE LIVE IN TIME: Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch). Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.

Enjoy the Drama

AMERICAN STAR: Ian McShane brings his brooding star power and presence to this gritty, intelligent and entertaining action thriller.

BIRD: Starring Barry Keoghan and tackling themes such as identity, sexism, loneliness, and class struggle, Bird is a compelling, ultimately joyous ode to the wondrous transition from childhood to adolescence.

FIREBRAND: In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander), the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.

FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE: Nicholas and Isabel are made for each other, but fate does not always choose the easiest path to true love. As destiny pulls them together, so do family, passion, and faith drive them apart. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham-Carter and Gabriel Byrne

LIES WE TELL: The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club)-just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. Winner of two Irish Film Awards.

POISON: Based on the acclaimed play by Lot Vekemans, POISON follows estranged couple Lucas (Tim Roth, Pulp Fiction) and Edith (Trine Dyrholm, Mary & George), who haven’t seen each other in ten years. Prompted by a mysterious summons from Edith, the couple reunite at a tragic location from their past

TARRAC: Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough, Broadchurch) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ (Lorcan Cranitch, Róise & Frank) in his recovery from a heart attack. Set against the backdrop of traditional Irish rowing, Naomhog, and filmed in Irish Gaelic.

THE SALT PATH: Based on the Sunday Times best-seller by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630-mile trek along the beautiful but rugged English coast, from Dorset to Somerset.

WIDOW CLICQUOT: Based on the New York Times best-selling biography, Widow Cliquot is a visually impressive tale of resilience that leaves a pleasing aftertaste on the palette. The film tells the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett, Cyrano) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family.

Music Lovers

blur TO THE END: an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British culture for over three decades.

blur LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM: This unforgettable 2023 performance saw blur perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 fans in a transcendent, once-in-a-generation performance that delivered a sweep of ecstatic 5-star reviews.

Music History

THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES: Nick Broomfield’s engrossing new documentary uncovers the true story and legacy of Brian Jones, the founder and creative genius of The Rolling Stones. As a schoolboy aged 14, Nick Broomfield met Brian Jones, by chance, on a train. Brian was at the height of his success, with the world at his feet, yet just six years later he would be dead

Love and Laughter

CHUCK CHUCK BABY: A film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory set in Wales.

THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE: Set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace… and sheep. Honouring his father’s last wish to reunite with the American side of his family, Irishman Ciáran (Colm Meaney, Layer Cake) calls his cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser, Mad About You), out of the blue with the offer for him to visit his homeland

THE RADLEYS: Based on the best-selling novel by Matt Haig, and co-written by comedian Jo Brand, THE RADLEYS is a scarily relatable black comedy with a bite. The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think. No one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret…they are vampires.

TIMESTALKER: The hilariously inventive TIMESTALKER is a romantic comedy about the eternal humiliation that is the search for love, spanning the most romantic epochs of history right into the future. TIMESTALKER follows hapless heroine Agnes (Alice Lowe, Sightseers) through time as she repeatedly falls for the wrong guy, dies a grim death, gets reincarnated a century later, before meeting him again and starting the cycle anew

Take Inspiration

HIGH AND LOW-JOHN GALLIANO: Directed by Academy-Award winner Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) delves into the captivating and complex life of the flamboyant and iconoclastic head designer at Dior, John Galliano, who soared to unimaginable heights before experiencing a public downfall that shattered his career.

MADE IN ENGLAND: THE FILMS OF POWELL AND PRESSBURGER: Martin Scorsese first encountered the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, “You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic-real film magic.”

WILDING: Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling memoir by the same name, the visually stunning WILDING tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, 400-year-old estate. Isabella and husband Charlie Burrell battle entrenched tradition, and dare to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature

Merchant Ivory

HOWARDS END: Nominated for nine Oscars and winning three at the 1993 Academy Awards, this dazzling adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel has cemented itself as a classic of the genre. Set in Edwardian England, class distinctions and troubled relations affect the relationships between two families and the ownership of a cherished British estate known as Howards End.

MERCHANT IVORY: The first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory (Oscar-winning writer of Call Me by Your Name), and producer Ismail Merchant.

THE REMAINS OF THE DAY: In 1993, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson reunited with the acclaimed Merchant Ivory filmmaking team for this extraordinary and moving story of blind devotion and repressed love. Based on the best-selling novel by Novel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro.

There is something for everyone in this year’s Festival, so settle in with the programme book and choose your favourites! Learn more about the full line-up here.

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Watch the full trailer for Conclave below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with finding the successor to the deceased Pope, discovers the former Pope had a secret that must be uncovered.

Leading from the front with Conclave is two-time Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes, who takes on the role of Cardinal Lawrence, a highly intelligent, thoughtful and questioning Cardinal who is given the responsibility to host the conclave that will elect the new Pope to rule over the Catholic faith, and who in his duty discovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the very foundation of the Church itself.

Fiennes brings his considerable presence and range to bear in the role of Cardinal Lawrence, who begins to suffer from a severe crisis of faith as he is encircled by a nest of vipers, all with their own ambitions as they vie to lead the church into the future.

A stacked supporting cast lends their considerable talents to the picture, including Sergio Castellito as the rigidly conservative Tedesco, John Lithgow as the potentially corrupt Tremblay, Stanley Tucci as the modest (and liberal) Bellini, and Carlos Diehz as the intriguing Benitez. All of these actors have a considerable force of drama at their disposal, and all will bring their aptitude for theatrics to this picture. And it shows in this gripping first trailer.

From the movement of this trailer, it’s clear that Berger is ramping up the energy with Conclave. The tension and stress placed upon Fiennes’ Cardinal Lawrence lead to a cinematic event that is a pure boiling point of intrigue and double-dealing, and you’ll be holding on for dear life with this picture.

Audiences seeking a highly intelligent piece of cinema that offers a pure rush of thrilling intrigue will be in for a very special cinema experience when Conclave arrives on the big screen on January 9, 2025.

Image: Roadshow Films

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