Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Conclave (2024)!Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini have explained the ending of the religious movie, specifically the symbolism of the turtle and the laughing nuns. The movie focuses on the election of a new pope after the sudden death of the current religious leader, leading to a number of characters with secrets revealed that make them ineligible for the role. Eventually, a Mexican archbishop, Vincent Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), is elected to the position at the end of Conclave. The movie includes plenty of symbolism, such as turtles, and ends with three nuns laughing after Benitez has been elected.
Speaking with Today about the movie’s ending, Fiennes and Rossellini explained the symbolism being Conclave‘s ending. Fiennes expressed how the movie’s continued showcase of turtles symbolizes “spiritual independence,” intertwining with his own characterization and the secrets of others throughout the film. As for the final shot of three laughing nuns, Rossellini, who plays Sister Agnes, interpreted it as the claustrophobia of the Sistine Chapel being broken now that a new pope has finally been chosen – despite the secret he still harbors, much like everyone else. Check out what Fiennes and Rossellini had to say below:
Ralph Fiennes
: They’re a charming little beautiful animal. Amphibious, and aren’t they sort of symbols of spiritual independence? I think maybe they are.Isabella Rossellini
: I think there is this sense of claustrophobia, because they are all inside Sistine Chapel. They are secluded, and then when you open up, there is not only the women and the laughter, but there is also the light, the sun, the air, and I think that was the contrast to that moment of great claustrophobia,Ralph Fiennes
: I think there is something in the fact that the claustrophobia is broken and we see three laughing women nuns, and I think that’s a wonderful gesture to end the film after you’ve been confined with all these men for two hours.
What Fiennes and Rossellini’s Interpretations Mean For The Ending Of Conclave
The Final Symbolism Is Important To The Movie’s Themes
While many secrets held by potential candidates for pope end up expelling them from eligibility, Benitez also has one of his own, revealing that he was born intersex just before he’s elected. However, Lawrence decides not to reveal this information to anyone else, remaining loyal to the ideals of his friend, the old pope, in letting him go. The symbolism of the turtles ties into this, emphasizing faith in an interpretive way that helps explain why Conclave‘s positive reviews emphasize the way it approaches the event of electing a new religious leader.
Related
Is Conclave Based On A True Story?
Conclave isn’t based on a true story but draws heavily from real papal election processes, blending fact with fiction for dramatic effect.
Both the turtles and laughing nuns appearing near the end showcase how Lawrence made the right decision, putting an end to the dramatic tension of the electoral decisions being made by simply allowing Benitez’s secret to stay hidden. Since the characters in Conclave are liable to continue debating and trying to find a new candidate if his secret gets revealed, hiding it brings an end to the conflict and offers a viable candidate for pope. The symbols, therefore, emphasize an end to the chaos, even if it means continuing to keep an important secret under wraps.
Our Take On Conclave’s Ending Symbolism
The Story Comes Full Circle
The final symbols in Conclave help to bring the movie to a satisfying conclusion, indicating not only Lawrence’s independent interpretation of his faith, but how his decision has ended conflict in the church. Without keeping Benitez’s secret, a spiral of events could have ensued, resulting in continued mystery and drama that would have kept the church stuck without a pope. The decision ends the film on a controversial note. Yet it’s one that is befitting of the story, alongside its symbolism about independent faith being just as important as organized faith.
Conclave
was directed by Edwad Berger (
All Quiet on the Western Front
) and written by Pete Straughan (
The Goldfinch
).
Source: Today
Cardinal Lawrence leads the secretive papal election at the Vatican, where he uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could destabilize the Church’s foundation as leaders gather from around the world.
- Director
- Edward Berger
- Release Date
- November 1, 2024
- Writers
- Peter Straughan , Robert Harris
- Cast
- Ralph Fiennes , Stanley Tucci , John Lithgow , Isabella Rossellini , Lucian Msamati , Carlos Diehz , Sergio Castellitto , Brian F. O’Byrne , Merab Ninidze , Jacek Koman , Rony Kramer , Joseph Mydell
- Character(s)
- Cardinal Lawrence , Cardinal Bellini , Cardinal Tremblay , Sister Agnes , Cardinal Adeyemi , Cardinal Benitez , Cardinal Tedesco , Archbishop Wozniak , Cardinal Mendoza , Nakitanda
- Runtime
- 120 Minutes