I didn’t expect to enjoy Conclave this much, and in the end, it turned out to be one of the most solid films of the year. With a tightly woven script, a cast in top form, and a direction that’s elegant yet effective, the story pulls you in from the first minutes and builds slowly but confidently. The fact that it’s based on a novel by Robert Harris—an author I’ve followed since Fatherland—shows in the depth, tension, and well-timed twists. Ralph Fiennes is excellent. His portrayal of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence hits the perfect balance between restraint and emotion. He moves between duty and doubt with a naturalness that gives every scene weight, and he holds the film together with a calm presence that never slips into overacting. Around him, everything works: from the production design to the music, and a cast of perfectly chosen supporting actors, the film oozes quality. The best part is how it manages to deliver suspense without losing its solemn tone. Berger turns the intrigue into a chess match where every move matters, while never forgetting the spiritual and political context of the Vatican. The result is a sophisticated, absorbing thriller that keeps you hooked without needing to shout. A well-earned 9.