‘Conclave’ and Ralph Fiennes go for the (papal) throne

AP Film Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — A bunch of old men in robes sitting inside and picking a pontiff is not your average pitch in Hollywood. But Edward Berger’s “Conclave” manages to be that rare thing in today’s movie industry. It’s a riveting and thoughtful adult-oriented drama acted out through dialogue by a sterling ensemble. Starring Ralph Fiennes as the cardinal picked to lead a papal conclave, the movie has already been drafted into a runoff of its own. The film is considered a top Oscars contender, including Fiennes for what would be his third nomination. In a Hollywood that years ago lost belief in the mid-budget adult drama, “Conclave” could restore the faith.