Conclave (12A)
Directed by Edward Berger
★★★★ 

 
 
ACADEMY Award winning filmmaker Edward Berger returns with a pot boiler of a gripping political thriller which centres on a papal election. 
 
Based on Robert Harris’s (Enigma) acclaimed novel, and adapted by Peter Straughan (Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy), it provides an unprecedented and enlightening glimpse into the workings of the Catholic Church. 
 
The film opens with the unexpected death of the Pope which triggers a conclave in which cardinals from all over the world are recalled to the Vatican where they are sequestered to vote for the next pontiff behind closed doors. 
 
It is viewed through the eyes of Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) who, reluctantly, is charged with overseeing this secretive event. Conclave explores the political machinations and the tensions between idealism/liberalism and the conservative old guard who are determined to turn the clock back. It is a power game in which the competing parties will do whatever it takes to win, which is in fact a deadly sin (pride, greed, envy). 
 
As Lawrence tells his friend the liberal Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci): “This is a conclave Aldo, it’s not a war” to which Bellini replies “It is a war and you have to commit to a side.” It soon becomes clear they have to vote for the lesser of two evils (played by John Lithgow and Sergio Castellitto) which rings even more true today.
 
Director Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) delivers a masterfully crafted and exquisitely shot suspense-filled drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout as Lawrence uncovers a deadly conspiracy. 
 
It is driven by a career best performance by Fiennes whose standoffs with the sublime Tucci are a joy to behold. Meanwhile Isabella Rosellini virtually steals the film from them as the head of the nuns whose job is to serve the male cardinals in this patriarchal hierarchy. 
 
But it is the audacious final twist that elevates Conclave to a higher sphere as it haunts you with its genius and hopeful ending. 

In cinemas November 29

The Contestant (12A)
Directed by Clair Titley
★★★★ 

 
 
THIS jaw-dropping documentary recounts the incredible story of a Japanese reality star who spent 15 months being forced to live in a room completely naked to prove that he could exist on competition prizes alone. But he did not know he was on TV being watched by millions. 
 
Aspiring comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu, nicknamed Nasubi (which means eggplant), recalls the humiliation and depression he suffered and how he was left suicidal devoid of human contact and obliged to eat dog food. He appeared on Japan’s first reality show months before The Truman Show was released and years before Big Brother was launched. 
 
The abject cruelty and mental abuse that he suffered in a bid to boost TV ratings is beyond the pale. The show’s producer’s lack of remorse is evident years later as he laughs admitting that he was the devil for deliberately pushing Nasubi to his limits for more viewers. He is abominable. 
 
Writer-director Clair Titley’s compelling documentary is a hard watch as you observe Nasubi in a downward spiral and losing his grip on reality although the third act is truly awe-inspiring.

In cinemas November 29