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"Conclave," directed by Edward Berger, is like finding a rare artifact at the movie theater. In the 90s, "Conclave" would have been one of the biggest hits at the box office, but in today's world is likely to do small-to-moderate business amongst the Saturday afternoon matinee adult crowds. In today's marketplace, it's rare to have an option like "Conclave" at movie theaters and it delivers for those looking for a twisty and adult-minded thriller to spend two hours watching.

The movie marks Berger's follow-up to his Oscar-winning "All Quiet on the Western Front" and is a complete change of pace from his war picture. "Conclave," written by Peter Straughan and adapted from the book by Robert Harris, presents itself with a prestigious sheen on the surface, but really functions as an airport thriller. Sometimes it trips over its own identity, but when it embraces its pulpy sensibilities it's a very entertaining film.

"Conclave" is a procedural, which aids its 90s throwback feel. Ralph Fiennes leads the movie as Cardinal Lawrence, who is tasked with heading the conclave to select a new pope after the sitting one passes away. There are as many cardinals vying for the position as those proclaiming they aren't interested in the papacy. But the pursuit of power can be a powerful thing, which leads to a lot of the mystery and intrigue in "Conclave." Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Diehs, and Sergio Caastellito co-star as cardinals in the running for the position. Isabella Rossellini also co-stars as Sister Agnes in a supporting role.

Everyone's motivations are what makes "Conclave" such a propulsive thriller. A two-hour runtime has rarely felt shorter, which is a compliment to Berger and his editor Nick Emerson, who make a talky thriller move with the pace of an action film. There are some big set pieces in "Conclave," but a lot of the action is closed-door meetings or whispered gossip in staircases and hallways. Those moments of intense debriefs are when "Conclave" truly sings.

If you somehow haven't reached a limit for discussing contentious elections, "Conclave" will work for those who are looking to be entertained. There are sharp parallels between the movie and what is seen nightly on the news, but the movie is never in your face about it. "Conclave" is certainly a release with interesting timing.

There are several big revelations throughout the movie, but the final one will divide audiences. Berger's presentation of the last act twist is effective in how unexpected it is, but abrupt in its presentation. There's a rushed explanation and it's handled as a moment that needs to be cleaned up quickly in order to end the movie, which doesn't let the punch land as effectively as it might. But, "Conclave" offers moviegoers something that is rare these days in theaters, and is a good version of what it wants to be.