Home
Conclave

Page

Conclave

Summary
How to watch
News & features

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Watch trailer

02:24

Conclave

Name: Conclave
Director: Edward Berger
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Released: 2024
Duration: 1 h 59 min
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Brian F O'Byrne

Save

Thriller
Drama

2024
Edward Berger
119 mins
12A

Summary

Drama starring Ralph Fiennes. Following the death of the Pope, the cardinals of the Catholic Church gather in seclusion at the Vatican to begin election proceedings, presided over by the reluctant Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence. Over several days, the fate of an already troubled Church hangs in the balance amid a storm of intrigue, lies and back-stabbing.

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

James Mottram

Ralph Fiennes leads a fine cast in this sophisticated thriller, which won the best adapted screenplay Oscar and is based on the novel by Robert Harris. After the Pope passes away from a heart attack, the College of Cardinals turns its attention to finding a new leader. In charge of the secretive selection process is Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes), as four main candidates emerge, including the liberal Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) and the more conservative Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow). What follows is a surprisingly exciting drama, as corruption and scandal expose the tension between ancient rituals and the need for the Catholic Church to move with the times. Fiennes gives a typically studious turn as Lawrence, a worrisome figure who is crippled by doubts about his own place in the Church, while Tucci is his perfect foil. The film is beautifully designed by Suzie Davies, and director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) pays due respect to the Catholic institution, while always questioning it.

imdb-square

7.4/10