After the mass success of “All Quiet On The Western Front,” which racked up 14 Oscar nods, veteran director Edward Berger has hit a watershed moment in his career. And based on advance reviews of his latest film “Conclave,” his hot streak will likely continue.
READ MORE: ‘Conclave’ Review: Ralph Fiennes Smolders In In Slow Burn Vatican Thriller [Telluride]
Fresh off its world premiere at Telluride in September, Berger’s new film adapts a Robert Harris thriller and features some formidable A-list acting talent. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini star in the Vatican-set tale of religious politics and intrigue. Read on for an official synopsis courtesy of Focus Features:
From director Edward Berger, CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence 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.
“Conclave” also stars Lucian Msamati, Brían F. O’Byrne, Carlos Diehz, Merab Ninidze, Thomas Loibl, and Sergio Castellitto.
Peter Straughan adapts Harris’ book for the big screen in “Conclave.” Berger reunites with Volker Bertelmann on the film, who composes the film’s score. Additionally, Stéphane Fontaine serves as the movie’s cinematographer.
As noted earlier, “Conclave” had its world premiere at Telluride earlier this Fall, with subsequent screenings at TIFF. The Playlist’s review of the film out of Telluride awarded with a “B+” rating, calling it “a smart, fiery melodrama.”
“Conclave” hits theaters on October 25th. Watch the new trailer for the religious thriller below.