Will Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ take the Oscars by storm?

An emerging contender

“Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, is causing ripples in the film industry as one of the most talked-about releases from this year’s fall festivals. Adapted from Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, the thriller debuted at Telluride, drawing significant acclaim. Bolstered by Audience Award victories at the Mill Valley and Middleburg festivals, Conclave’s buzz is growing louder in the crowded awards season. The journey of films like American Fiction and Belfast—both former Audience Award winners that went on to be strong Oscar contenders—sets a promising precedent for this film.

The appeal and challenge of religious themes

So what’s different about Conclave? For one, it treads the complex territory of religious politics. Religious-themed films have historically held a precarious position at the Oscars. While moral and spiritual questions attract critic and audience attention, their deeply rooted themes can either be a boon or a bane during awards season.

Consider “The Exorcist” (1973). Directed by William Friedkin, this horror classic, adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel, earned 10 Oscar nominations and won for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Despite horror often being overlooked by the Academy, The Exorcist was an exception, resonating deeply due to its raw exploration of faith and demonology. On the other hand, “The Mission” (1986) directed by Roland Joffé, presented an epic narrative about Jesuit priests in 18th-century South America. Even with seven Oscar nominations, its somber tone and slow pacing limited its mainstream appeal.

More recently, “Spotlight” (2015), directed by Tom McCarthy, depicted the Boston Globe’s investigation into systemic sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay for its unflinching look at religious institutions’ moral failings.

The track record of religious films

Fernando Meirelles’ “The Two Popes” (2019) and Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” (2016) offer a more nuanced take on faith but found limited traction with the Academy. The Two Popes received acting nominations for Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce and a nod for its screenplay, but failed to break into the Best Picture race. Similarly, Scorsese’s other religious-themed projects like “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988) and “Kundun” (1997) were notably overlooked despite their profound narratives.

Conclave could avoid these pitfalls. Its gripping thriller format set against the high-stakes backdrop of the Vatican offers a fast-paced, accessible take that appeals to both critics and audiences.

Stellar performances and technical mastery

The talented Ralph Fiennes, a notable contender this awards season, leads the cast. Fiennes, who earned previous nominations for Schindler’s List (1993) and The English Patient (1996), delivers an engaging performance that might propel him back into the Oscar spotlight. Co-stars Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini, both accomplished actors with surprisingly few nominations between them, add significant weight to the supporting cast categories.

Peter Straughan’s screenplay, Stéphane Fontaine’s cinematography, and Nick Emerson’s editing combine to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The Academy adores a film that balances narrative depth with sheer entertainment, and Conclave seems to fit that mold perfectly.

Focus Features’ awards track

Following the success of All Quiet on the Western Front, which bagged four Oscars for Edward Berger, Conclave is emerging as Focus Features’ leading contender for the upcoming awards season. Focus Features has an impressive track record with 16 Best Picture nominations since its inception. Its portfolio includes notable films like Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” (2003), Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), and Gus Van Sant’s “Milk” (2008).

Focus Features’ strategy integrates not just Conclave, but also Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu”, Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders”, and Sean Wang’s directorial debut “Dìdi” into a diverse award-season offensive.

Impactful storytelling in religious films

Films tackling faith seamlessly blend exploration of moral dilemmas with stellar storytelling. They resonate by challenging societal norms and traditions, which is crucial for gaining critical recognition. Whether through controversy or commendation for artistic merit, these films spark dialogue about faith, morality, and power in the modern world. Conclave is poised to make a significant impact in such discussions.

As the buzz around Conclave continues to grow, it will be fascinating to watch its awards journey unfold. Stay tuned for more insights on the films shaping this year’s Oscar race, and make sure to share your thoughts on social media.