Weekend Movie Picks: 'Conclave' and 'Your Monster'
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Friday, 25 October 2024 14:00
- Written by Lupe R Haas
Two new releases take on VENOM: THE LAST DANCE this weekend: CONCLAVE, featuring a powerhouse cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci,John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, and YOUR MONSTER, a surreal romance starring Melissa Barrera.
CONCLAVE
From acclaimed All Quiet on the Western Front director Edward Berger, CONCLAVE dives deep into Vatican intrigue. This mystery-thriller, based on Robert Harris’s novel, unravels the tense and secretive conclave of Catholic Cardinals gathering to elect a new Pope after the sudden death of his Holiness. Powerhouse performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini fuels the intensity of this haunting portrait of flawed "holy" humans within the sacred institution.
After the unexpected death of the Pope, the selection of the next head of the Roman Catholic Church begins with Cardinals around the world convening for the secretive and sacred event. Fiennes’ Cardinal Lawrence runs the sequestered conclave and uncovers the deep secrets of the Pope and its members.
Berger’s direction delivers a riveting narrative, drawing viewers into the heart of the Vatican’s political labyrinth. The film's pace is brisk, building suspense with every new revelation, while the ensemble cast brings complex, flawed characters to life. Each cardinal is depicted not as a sanctified figure but as a human-driven by ambition and moral ambiguity. This approach offers a thought-provoking critique on authority and integrity within one of the world’s oldest institutions.
Ralph Fiennes commands the screen as Cardinal Lawrence, who orchestrates the conclave while unearthing troubling secrets about the former Pope and his fellow cardinals, revealing a haunting portrait of power and corruption within the sacred institution.
The ensemble cast excels, with Fiennes, Tucci, and Lithgow anchoring intense scenes filled with betrayal and rivalry. Isabella Rossellini also shines in her role as the observant head nun, leaving a powerful impression with a memorable scene that earned both laughter and applause. Mexican actor Carlos Diehz, in his memorable Hollywood debut, adds intrigue as a mysterious cardinal whose presence complicates the conclave, hinting at secrets only the late Pope knew.
The film’s ending, though polarizing, leaves audiences pondering its moral implications. By steering clear of a traditional resolution, Berger reinforces the film’s central message: that even those considered holy are not immune to human flaws.
The controversial and unexpected ending will polarize audiences but serves the story's moral - no one is a saint.
YOUR MONSTER
Melissa Barrera stars in Vertical’s Your Monster, a quirky and intriguing romantic comedy from debut director Caroline Lindy. The story follows Laura Franco (Barrera), a stage actress who’s unexpectedly dumped by her boyfriend (Edmund Donovan) during her recovery from cancer surgery. Returning to her childhood home to recuperate, Laura finds an unlikely companion in a creature (Tommy Dewey) who mysteriously emerges from her closet, quickly becoming her closest confidant.
Laura is a character who habitually suppresses her emotions, and though her friends offer support, they’re notably absent when she needs them most—a fact she silently endures. Her struggle deepens when she learns her ex-boyfriend is advancing a musical they once developed together. Despite her heartbreak, Laura swallows her pride to rejoin the production, wrestling with feelings of betrayal and ambition.
The creature bears a notable resemblance to Disney’s Beast, but this “monster” comes with a wry sense of humor and an encouraging demeanor that helps Laura confront her frustrations. The monster’s influence provides her with much-needed comfort and emboldens her to reclaim her suppressed anger, inspiring both healing and self-assertion.
Barrera shines as Laura, balancing a range of emotions as she navigates moments of vulnerability, light-heartedness, and romance with her monster. The Mexican-born actor demonstrates versatility, moving seamlessly between humor and darkness in this unconventional love story.
Lindy’s direction keeps the film’s tone fluid, shifting from whimsy to darkness with ease. Her unique storytelling delivers an unpredictable narrative—especially in the surprising finale. Upon reflection, viewers may notice subtle hints throughout the film that foreshadow the darker twist, adding depth to an already layered story.
YOUR MONSTER is a refreshing entry in the rom-com genre, mixing surreal elements with a poignant exploration of your inner rage.