Focus Features has released the trailer for Edward Berger’s “Conclave” starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Brían F. O’Byrne, Carlos Diehz, Merab Ninidze, Thomas Loibl, Sergio Castellitto & Isabella Rossellini. The film will be released in select theaters on November 1st and will expand nationwide on November 8th.
Plot Synopsis: From director Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front“) “Conclave” follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. 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 finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
What do you all think of the trailer? I was a massive fan of Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which has made “Conclave” one of the most anticipated for the rest of the year. The trailer is gripping, as a thriller should be, as it delves into themes of power, ambition, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of the Roman Catholic Church. I’m getting heavy “Succession,” “House Of Cards,” and earlier seasons of “Game Of Thrones” vibes from the backroom conversations, scheming, backstabbing, and power plays characters are performing against one another. Academy Award-nominated writer Peter Straughan (“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”) sure knows how to craft an engaging thriller, and with what looks to be Oscar-worthy performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, I’m expecting this to do well this awards season. Also, if the score used in the trailer is from Academy Award-winning “All Quiet on the Western Front” composer Volker Bertelmann, then we sure are in for a sonic treat as well as a visual one. A Venice Film Festival world premiere followed by a stop in Telluride seems correct for this one. What do you all think, though? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Twitter account.
