“Conclave” wasn’t made with the Vatican’s involvement; it was shot at the legendary Rome studio Cinecittà. The film, made for about $20 million and scripted by Peter Straughan, is primarily a procedural, albeit one with a spiritual dimension.

Ralph Fiennes is mesmerizing as a cardinal leading the process of choosing a new pope—which plays out like an Agatha Christie locked-room mystery.

PLOT A cardinal running a papal election finds himself investigating a mystery. CAST Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini RATED PG (some mature themes) LENGTH 2:00 WHERE Area theaters BOTTOM LINE Solid, engaging, well-crafted thriller

Fiction with thriller elements, “Conclave” purports to unveil how the College of Cardinals elects a new Pope for the Roman Catholic Church.

The politicking of choosing the next pope makes for a riveting film from Edward Berger that also stars John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini

John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini are also immaculate, but Edward Berger’s lofty ambitions falter The post ‘Conclave’ Review: A Fantastic Ralph Fiennes Leads a Pulpy, Hit-and-Miss Papal Mystery appeared first on TheWrap.

Ralph Fiennes stars as a Catholic cardinal whose duty is to run a contentious election for a new pope in Edward Berger's thriller "Conclave."

Actor Ralph Fiennes is best known for ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘The English Patient,’ and as Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Read about his life and work.