The process of electing a new Pope is full of secrecy. That means you can tell whatever story you want about it, as this new film starring Ralph Fiennes opens wide this weekend.

This movie is based on a 2016 novel by Robert Harris. It is directed by Edward Berger, who directed the Oscar nominated All Quiet on the Western Front.

According to IMDB, “Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is 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 uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake–secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.“

Ralph Fiennes was sensational once again as Cardinal Lawrence. He has such an understated performance that he fits into this story beautifully. He anchors the film with his work.

There are other great performances including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati and Sergio Castellitto.

There is a twist at the end of the movie that came after it seemed as if the film was over and I am not sure if it was necessary. No spoilers, of course, but this feels as if this was done to create division among viewers. I have no issues with the ending outside that I am just not sure it was important to the story.

I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the script and the film looked beautiful. Great performances scattered throughout the film. I assume this will have a huge presence at the Oscars. This was very solid.

4 stars