The movie that puts catty in Catholic has become the sleeper queer hit of the year. From the (fascist) cardinal who vapes to Isabella Rossellini’s curtsy, this movie about choosing a new pope would be runner up only to Wicked if the Oscars were determined by number of memes on the gay internet.
Of course, some of this affinity is due to the film’s surprising take on gender and transness. I have a lot of thoughts about how the film handles this aspect of the plot, as well as the ways the film does and does not engage with the harm enacted by the Catholic Church. But no one wants an essay from a Jewish transsexual about Catholicism, or, frankly, anyone to spoil the fun of the elaborate hats and Vatican intrigue. No, what the people want are quizzes! I’m sure you’re all clamoring to know which of these supposedly holy individuals are most like YOU and if you answer these simple questions white smoke will erupt from your computer and tell you.
Conclave is now streaming on Peacock.
Comments
You are Cardinal Bellini!
You’re very charming. (He’s played by Stanley Tucci after all!) You’re thoughtful and progressive and lovely to be around. But hidden underneath that perfect veneer, you have real feelings that sometimes come bursting out.
This was such an excellent film but the only film that deserves Best Picture at the Oscars next year is Wicked.
Super psyched to be Sister Agnes – I feel seen, known, and validated. But the real reason I signed in to comment is that I would LOVE to read an essay by Drew about Catholicism – bring it on!
Can we get an essay on Catholicism in the form of a think piece on Gideon the Ninth? That lesbian cultural phenomenon has weirdly been ignored by AS.
Cardinal Lawrence!
You’re a reluctant leader. A person with principles who people look to when uncertain about their own. You don’t want power, but you have it. And maybe it’s okay to embrace that a bit more.
This is it. I’ve peaked this is everything I need
And I DO want a real essay with meat on Conclave I loved it and i’ll take anything y’all give me
“But no one wants an essay from a Jewish transsexual about Catholicism” UHHH me and the other Jewish transsexuals do obvi!!!!
Loved this. And as a former Catholic and current transsexual, I would have to say that the best part of Catholicism is the architecture and interior design!
I was missing to be able to choose the frocks as best part.
And am i the only one who was weirded out by the favorite birth control question? Is this a reference to the film somehow?
THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY
These were so much fun! But real talk – did anyone else read Monsignor Janusz Wozniak (the sad archbishop / papal intendant with a drinking problem) as being in a love relationship with the late pope?
Evidence:
1) everyone acknowledges him as being particularly affected by the Pope’s death
2) he and the Pope would eat dinner together and the Pope would tell him his private thoughts about the day’s work
3) three weeks after the death of the pope he breaks down saying his last confession was a month ago, WHICH MEANS THE POPE WAS HIS CONFESSOR
4) characters say his drinking has recently gotten worse, right when the pope was dying
and if so, honestly – who can blame him for being emotionally unstable? He was losing his boyfriend who was also his boss and his therapist.