When compiling scenarios that would make compelling stories for an effective thriller, the choosing of the Pope would seem to be low on that list.

Yet here we are with “Conclave” – a nice little drama that takes us into (to borrow from “Hamilton”) the room where it happens in a rather compelling manner. Director Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) has crafted a taut thriller with strong work from its very talented cast that also serves as an intriguing social commentary on the modern day Catholic Church.

“Conclave” opens with the current pope found dead of a heart attack. Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is put in charge of the conclave to name the next pope – a man who is secretly questioning his faith to the point that he wants to step down from his position as soon as the new pope is chosen.

Several potential candidates emerge during the conclave. Those candidates include Aldo Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a liberal seen as the one who will most likely carry on the previous pope’s progressive policies, Joseph Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) a popular conservative who was the last to see the pope alive, Goffredo Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), an Italian traditionalist determined to restore the church to its original ways, and Joshua Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), a Nigerian who is seen by progressives as a potential compromise between Bellini and Tedesco.

The selection becomes complicated as secrets from each candidate arise, forcing Lawrence to weed through those secrets and help to make sure a proper candidate emerges.

Most of “Conclave” is crafted like thrillers in the vein of “12 Angry Men,” where we see this process painstakingly evolve from its starting point to the climatic finish. Along the way, there are some twists and turns, with maybe one final turn a little too much (the intent is certainly understandable but I am not sure it is needed.)

Fiennes is the perfect choice to anchor the film – serving as the de facto moral compass for the audience as the mysteries behind this candidates are revealed. This is a character conflicted at his core, but determined to protect the legacy of the previous pope.

Tucci has some strong moments and it’s fun to see Lithgow ham it up a bit (in a way only he can). This is material that could have easily gotten a little too pulpy, but this talented cast is able to keep it on the rails and deliver a final product that will have audiences talking.

It’s a film that will definitely spark conversation (especially with the ending). It’s that rarity in the current landscape of theaters, a film aimed directly at the adult audience. In an era when these adult films tend to find limited theatrical releases at best, “Conclave” proves adult movies are still alive and well – willing to challenge its audience while providing a bit of escapist entertainment.

If You Go
“Conclave”
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci
Directed by: Edward Berger
Rating: PG for thematic elements and smoking
Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12
Grade: B+