Conclave

Let me start by saying that while I do enjoy their aesthetic, I despise the Catholic church. Conclave does not feel like a film overseen or commissioned by the Catholic church. Its a political thriller that respects the culture of the church but is shot through an objective lens that allows anyone to participate in its intricate plot. I found the situation its main characters were in relatable; stuck between voting for the lesser of two evils, in this case, a fascist buffoon and a corrupt neo-liberal. The way the plot unravels in this film is deeply involving and had me guessing until the very end. Ralph Fiennes is nothing short of excellent. I think the film does pitch a positive direction that the Catholic church could move in. While I don't think this will unfold in real life, its satisfying to see the prospect on film and offer a glimmer of hope when considering the political cross-roads the world seems to be standing on today.