Style: Drama
Director: Edward Berger
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Operating Time: 120 minutes
Synopsis: When the pope dies, Dean of Cardinals Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is entrusted with organizing the election of a successor. The frontrunners embody liberal Cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Cardinal Adeyemi who might change into the primary black pope, the conservative Cardinal Tedesco, and the politically savvy Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow). The arrival of the hitherto unknown and sanguine Cardinal Benitez of Kabul causes a stir, and when the early voting rounds show inconclusive, Lawrence has to handle startling revelations that will affect the end result.
What Works Properly: The stellar solid exudes quiet high quality, and the exemplary set designs (recreating the Vatican with inventive license) and costumes set up a chic backdrop for a heady combination of worldwide energy, private ambition, and the load of historical past. Compelling dramatic themes emerge from the internecine battle between liberal and progressive values colliding with the fallibility of males held to inconceivable requirements. Muscular music provides appreciable thump to the stark political intrigue.
What Does Not Work As Properly: The delicate atmosphere is let down by simplistic plotting, which degenerates into sordid scandal-of-the-day expositions. Peter Straughan’s script surrenders to unworthy beginner detective exploits as revelations about an illegitimate love youngster, money-for-votes corruption, and secret medical histories disrupt proceedings. The cardinals exhibit bare ambition, brief tempers, and back-stabbing behaviour worthy of neophyte native politicians, whereas a terrorist sub-plot provides nothing of relevance.
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