In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, finds himself stuck in the monotony of his annual Halloween routine, craving something new and exhilarating. This quest leads him to Christmas Town, sparking a wildly entertaining chain of events that intertwines spooky traditions with holiday cheer, creating a blend of charm, mystery, and gothic delight.
In CONCLAVE, director Edward Berger brings to life one of the most secretive and compelling rites in religious history: the selection of a new Pope. Based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, the film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is thrust into the tense and enigmatic process after the sudden death of the beloved Pope.
As the world’s most powerful Catholic leaders convene behind the tightly-closed doors of the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence stumbles upon hidden truths and unsettling mysteries left by the late Pope—truths that could rock the very core of the Church’s foundations.
Shifting from fantasy to reality, stories set in the Vatican continue to captivate Hollywood. Adaptations of Dan Brown’s novels, like The Da Vinci Code, play off the allure of Vatican intrigue, with characters navigating conspiracies amid the historic, cloistered city-state.
Filmmakers are drawn to the contrast between the Vatican’s rich traditions, iconic red-robed cardinals, and opulent halls against its aura of secrecy and strict hierarchies. This setting, rife with power and mystery, mirrors Hollywood’s own fascination with influential institutions and self-reflective narratives.
The cinematography of Vatican-centered films capitalizes on the city-state’s breathtaking visuals: from the brilliantly uniformed Swiss Guards to the endless frescoes, every scene exudes grandeur.
Premiering to high acclaim at the Telluride Film Festival, CONCLAVE quickly became one of the most talked-about thrillers of the season. Its mix of suspense and high-stakes intrigue has not only captivated audiences but also placed it in serious contention for awards.
The film’s momentum continued as it swept the Audience Award at both the Mill Valley and Middleburg festivals, solidifying its standing as a frontrunner this season. Berger’s adaptation promises not only a gripping look into the clandestine world of the Vatican but also a powerful exploration of faith, power, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.
The colorful displays, set against the shadowed complexities of human motives, offer a gripping portrayal of a society steeped in both ancient tradition and modern moral struggles. Some of the film’s choices, like using a convent with a somewhat stark, gray decor for the cardinal’s residence, may seem curious, yet they help accentuate the contrast between the sacred ambiance and the human drama unfolding within.