When a pope dies, it signals more than just the end of a life. It marks the start of a new chapter. As soon as the pope’s death is officially confirmed, a set of well-defined events begins. These events combine ancient traditions with modern requirements.
For instance, to prevent paparazzi from capturing images, lasers are used to block the windows. Mobile phones are also collected to ensure that no one inside can communicate with the outside world. Even though the cardinals are isolated, their decisions have global implications.
A Glimpse Inside Edward Berger’s Conclave
Edward Berger’s film Conclave offers a fascinating view inside the process of choosing a new pope. The film is set in the conclave, a significant event where Cardinals from around the world gather to select a new leader from their own group.
A Connection to Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Watching Conclave reminded me of another favorite film, Tomas Alfredson’s adaptation of John le Carré’s crime thriller Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
This film is known for its perfect tone and sweeping visuals that make the tight spaces feel like the center of the world. I was pleased to find out that Peter Straughn, who co-wrote Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, also wrote the script for Conclave. His talent for complex storytelling is clearly present in both films.
A Beautiful Portrait of a Struggle for Power
In Conclave, the setting is visually stunning. While Tinker made the secretive rooms of MI6 dramatic, the setting in Conclave is even more impressive. During the election for a new pope, the cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel, one of the most revered places on Earth.
Still from Conclave (Credit: Focus Features)
Without tourists and art restorers around, they are free to talk only among themselves. They are surrounded by masterpieces from artists like Botticelli, Perugino, van den Broeck, and Michelangelo. This adds a layer of historical depth to the proceedings.
Power Corrupts In Conclave
In this sacred setting, the human struggle for power becomes apparent. Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, a character torn not by his faith but by his doubts about the church itself. He is responsible for organizing the election. Bellini (Stanley Tucci) is a liberal who is running reluctantly.
His goal is to prevent the more conservative Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) from reversing recent reforms. Cardinal Adeyemi has strong support but faces obstacles in his path.
Tremblay (John Lithgow) is a shrewd political figure, while newcomer Carlos Diehz plays Cardinal Benitez, who is introduced to the group just before the voting begins.
The Corruption of Power
As the priests vote or retreat to quiet corners to discuss their strategies, an army of nuns silently serve food and observe the discussions. Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) is particularly vigilant. Her admiration for the late pope makes her cautious about the political maneuvering she witnesses.
Conclave powerfully illustrates how power can corrupt. Plato, in The Republic, suggested that the best rulers are those who are reluctant to lead, while the worst are those who are eager for power. Conclave challenges this idea by showing how even the most reluctant leaders are drawn to the lure of power.
The Cardinals, while claiming to act in the best interest of the church, commit various infractions. This shows how any system, no matter how traditional or noble, can be affected by the corrupting nature of power.
A Cinematic Triumph
Edward Berger’s previous film, All Quiet on the Western Front, was a bold and powerful retelling of a classic story. Similarly, Conclave makes the secretive process of voting just as exciting as any action scene.
The film’s cinematographer, Stéphane Fontaine, known for his work on films like Jackie, Elle, and A Prophet, brings his expertise to the narrow hallways, sunlit courtyards, and colorful figures of the Vatican.
Celebrating Conclave
In Conclave, Berger delivers a brilliant film with a compelling story and exceptional performances. Ralph Fiennes, known for his many impressive roles, gives one of his best performances yet.
The film mixes entertainment with deep ideas, creating a blend that is both engaging and thought-provoking. It’s a film that deserves to be celebrated, and I hope you agree and join in this appreciation.
The film shows themes of power and politics within one of the most sacred spaces in the world. The conclave, with its rich historical and religious significance, becomes the backdrop for a tense and dramatic narrative.
Still from Conclave (Credit: Focus Features)
The tension is not just in the voting but also in the subtle power plays and personal ambitions of the characters. The setting of the Sistine Chapel, with its art and history, adds a dramatic layer to the unfolding drama.
As the cardinals deliberate and vote, the film captures the high stakes and the intense pressure they face. The isolation from the outside world adds to the suspense, as every move and decision is under scrutiny.
The film does a remarkable job of making the complex process of electing a new pope engaging and dramatic. It shows how even in a setting steeped in tradition and reverence, the struggle for power is a very human experience.
Conclave is a standout film that combines rich storytelling with strong performances. The portrayal of the papal election is both dramatic and insightful. The film’s scheme of power and its effects on individuals is compelling, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in political dramas and character studies.
“Edge of Tomorrow,” known for its tagline “Live. Die. Repeat.,” stands out as a highly engaging and inventive sci-fi film. Directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, the movie offers more than just top-notch action. It combines a unique twist with classic action elements, setting it apart from other films in the genre.
Loosely based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel All You Need Is Kill, this action-packed film merges aliens, military battles, and time travel into an exciting and continuous thrill ride. Since its 2014 release, the movie has been praised for its creative storytelling and impressive action scenes.
Fans and the studio alike are hopeful for a sequel. After being off streaming services for a while, “Edge of Tomorrow” is now available on Netflix, making it the perfect time to revisit this fascinating sci-fi movie.
Tom Cruise Gets Trapped in a Time Loop During an Alien Invasion
“Edge of Tomorrow” presents a grim scenario for humanity after an alien race called the “Mimics” takes over continental Europe.
Despite their best efforts, humans continue to suffer defeat after defeat against these powerful foes, who seem to have every advantage. Even with advanced mech-suits, humans struggle to win against the Mimics, having lost nearly all their major battles.
The film centers on Major William Cage (Tom Cruise), a public affairs officer with no combat experience, who is sent to join the main invasion force heading to France. Under the leadership of Master Sergeant Farell (Bill Paxton), William joins a diverse group known as the J-Squad.
When the invasion force lands on a French beach, they are ambushed and defeated by the Mimics. Shortly after seeing his squad members die, William is also mortally wounded but manages to use a mine to take down a large “Alpha” Mimic with him.
Still from Edge of Tomorrow (Credit: Netflix)
Covered in the Alpha Mimic’s blood, William wakes up after dying and finds himself stuck in a time loop that repeats every time he dies.
William Gets Trained by the Angel of Verdun
At first, William is confused by his new situation, but he soon uses it to his advantage. Each time he repeats the invasion, he learns more about the Mimic’s tactics and survives longer, turning the war into a sort of video game with both thrilling and amusing action scenes.
Despite his growing skills and knowledge of the battlefield, William alone cannot significantly change humanity’s fate. He meets Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), a renowned soldier known as the “Angel of Verdun” for her battlefield heroics. William learns that Rita also had the ability to reset time, which helped her win at Verdun but lost her power after a blood transfusion.
Rita explains that the reason humans are losing is that the Omega Mimic restarts the timeline after every defeat. The Mimics are controlled by a single, enormous “Omega” Mimic, so each time an Alpha Mimic is killed, the Omega resets the timeline and changes its strategy.
With William’s ability to reset time, Rita trains him as they push deeper into Europe with each new timeline reset, searching for the Omega Mimic.
How Long Is William in the Time Loop?
As the story progresses, William’s skills as a soldier improve greatly, making him nearly invincible due to his knowledge of the battlefield. The film does not specify how long William has been repeating the day, keeping the exact number of resets unclear.
However, it is evident that he has repeated the day so many times that his predictions are almost perfect. William forms a deep bond with Rita, but she cannot remember their past days together as he does. Despite this, Rita is the only person who understands the burden of William’s power.
William and Rita eventually use a prototype transponder to find the Omega, which is hiding beneath the Louvre. After William is injured and loses his power due to a blood transfusion, this is their last chance.
William, Rita, and the J-Squad travel to Paris and reach the Omega Mimic. The J-Squad sacrifices themselves, and Rita and William confront the Omega. Rita is killed by a Mimic, but despite his injuries, William manages to set off explosives and destroy the Omega, ending the Mimic invasion.
What Happens After Cage Blows Up the Omega Mimic?
Even after many twists in the film, “Edge of Tomorrow” delivers one final surprise. After killing the Omega, William wakes up in the past, just before he joins the J-Squad. It is revealed that the Mimics have all died after a mysterious energy surge in Paris, ending the war.
Although the exact nature of the Omega’s powers is unclear, William’s time reset ability returns after he is covered in the Omega Mimic’s blood, similar to how he first got the power.
William finds Rita, but she does not recognize him. Still, it is clear that William remembers all the days he has lived and repeated to win the war. The film ends on a triumphant and satisfying note, though some questions remain unanswered. Where did the Mimics come from?
Still from Edge of Tomorrow (Credit: Netflix)
Can William still reset the time? Will more Mimics come to Earth? These uncertainties might hint at a possible sequel. For now, it’s satisfying to see William finally live his days without having to die and repeat. In “Edge of Tomorrow,” Tom Cruise’s character gets trapped in a time loop during an alien invasion.
He improves his skills with each reset, eventually teaming up with Emily Blunt’s character to defeat the Omega Mimic. The film ends with a victorious twist, leaving room for potential sequels.
