[NoHo Arts District, CA] – In this month’s movie and TV reviews blog, Mike Peros looks at Conclave and Juror #2.
As I was watching Conclave, from director Edward Berger (screenplay by Peter Straughan, based on Robert Harris’ novel), I couldn’t help but think of this as a Papal version of The Best Man (with a little Advise and Consent for good measure). Conclave, begins with the death of the current, liberal-leaning Pope, and Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) has the task of leading the papal conclave to elect the new Pope. The prime contenders appear to be two conservative Cardinals (John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati), one reactionary Cardinal (a dynamic and despicable Sergio Castellito), and a more liberal Cardinal (Stanley Tucci). And though many think Cardinal Lawrence to be a good candidate, he has some doubts, both about his ability and his own faith. In addition, Isabella Rossellini (looking like her famous mother) hovers on the sidelines as a watchful Sister, Carlos Diehz is a mysterious archbishop from Afghanistan, and Brian O’Byrne is a Monsignor who is Lawrence’s ally and his link to the outside world (during a Conclave, all Cardinals must remain secluded until the new Pope is chosen).
The well-paced and acted Conclave, veers between the predictable and the unexpected, as the various candidates jockey for position—with blackmail and bribery (you may learn a new word in this film, simony) on the menu, along with sumptuous meals (those Cardinals eat rather well). While it’s easy to pick out the cardinals you don’t want to win (You can spot Lithgow’s treacherous character right from the start, especially after he tells Ralph Fiennes’ Cardinal (and Pope confidant) that he withheld the news of the Pope’s death from him for an hour…so as not to disturb him), the more satisfying scenes are the exchanges among the more conflicted principals, especially those between the conflicted (a trifecta of resentment, resignation, and diligence) Ralph Fiennes and the ambitious but pragmatic Stanley Tucci (both at the top of their game here). The film is not only about differences among men but also the clash of values (conservatism vs. progress), as well as the notion of what it means to be a leader, as well as a good person. There is much to digest here, as well as a few interesting twists toward the end (even though you’ll probably pick the new Pope before the movie does). Conclave, is in theaters now, and it’s worth the trip, as it is one of the more intelligent and well-acted films I’ve seen this year.
Clint Eastwood’s latest (and perhaps last ) film Juror #2 is being dumped into a few theaters (before its release on Max) but it deserves better, as it is also among 2024’s better films (and I say this knowing there are some, shall we say, unlikely coincidences in the plot). Nicholas Hoult is a recovering alcoholic journalist (“puff” pieces) with a very pregnant wife (Zoey Deutsch) and he tries to use the “pregnant” card to get out of jury duty in order to stay by his wife. He is selected nonetheless and is more than a bit perturbed as the case that is being tried (involving a man who allegedly beat his girlfriend and threw her down a ravine) reminds him of his own actions on the same night—and the real possibility that he may have been responsible for the woman’s death. Courtroom scenes (among witnesses and the respective attorneys) are intercut with flashbacks from that night, which lead to Hoult’s character facing some tough choices, as in should he say something, or remain quiet so as to stay with his expectant wife. And once the trial is over, the film serves up its own twist on Twelve Angry Men.
https://youtu.be/EhkkBFhW-MM?si=gT95uDC1DMOwMqs2
While it’s Hoult’s choices and actions that drive the film, Eastwood and writer Jonathan Abrams don’t expect you to take Hoult’s side—though you may (or may not) sympathize with his plight early on, you may change your tune down the road. However, he isn’t the only character struggling, as Toni Collette’s prosecutor looks to parlay a quick conviction into the office of District Attorney, while Chris Messina’s public defender tries to convince Collette to be the truth-seeker she once was, as opposed to the headline hound she has become. And then there are the jurors, including J.K. Simmons as someone with a secret of his own, and Leslie Bibb as a veteran juror who just wants to be a good foreman. Juror #2 is extremely satisfying in that it doesn’t let the characters off easy nor does it provide tidy remedies. Good people can commit questionable acts, “bad” people can be misjudged, and redemption can be elusive. Give it a look in the theaters, or when it gets to Max.