THE CONCLAVE: 2024 (Available for streaming on Peacock--the're no ads!) The cast alone is reason to see The Conclave.  Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini are at the center of this Vatican-set tale, rich with intrigue, humor, and provocative plot twists. After the unexpected death of the beloved Pope, the College of Cardinals is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope. The Popes are under the leadership of British Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes). Under his leadership the Cardinals, gathered from around the world, are locked together in the Vatican halls where they will stay until a new Pope is elected. The only communication during this process is by smoke, gray for a ballot that did not result in enough votes for any one candidate to make a selection, and white when the selection is made. In the process they uncover a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope's wake--secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church. The initial reception to The Conclave came from The Telluride Film Festival where it earned rave reviews. The film starts slow and builds to a powerful ending. Barbara and I agree on a grade. GRADE A

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