Now that Pope Francis has been laid to rest, there’s a renewed fascination with the centuries-old traditions of the Vatican. Eyes are turned toward the secretive process that will determine his successor, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. The conclave itself begins Wednesday, but the College of Cardinals has already been meeting in Vatican City as the date approaches.
It’s a deeply consequential event, and one that plays out in the recent thriller Conclave.
And according to a report from Politico, even real-life Cardinals are said to have watched the film. The site reports that a cleric involved in the real papal conclave said of the cardinals, “Some have watched it in the cinema.”
Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave centers on the election of a new pope after the reigning pope’s sudden death. Ralph Fiennes leads a powerhouse cast as a cardinal who finds himself at the center of a conspiracy during the papal election. John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Stanley Tucci all deliver memorable performances.
Based on a book by Robert Harris (Enigma, The Ghost), Conclave draws from real-life Vatican tradition, but cranks up the drama for entertainment value. The secrecy, the symbolism, the power struggles — they’re all rooted in truth, but the film leans into betrayals, high-stakes revelations and a jaw-dropping twist.
In reality, the election of a pope is a solemn, procedural affair. In Conclave, it’s a powder keg of political intrigue and personal secrets — less about incense and prayer, more about shadows and suspense. It’s obviously not a documentary, but that’s what makes it gripping.
Here’s all the info on where to stream Conclave.
Where to watch Conclave
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Concave is a highly acclaimed film, having been nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning one — for best adapted screenplay. Conclave currently holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.4/10 on IMDb.
You can also read the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, which has been out almost a decade, and is likely to be in your library or available in used and new bookstores near you. Harris was inspired to write the novel after watching the news coverage of the 2013 conclave, which elected the late Pope Francis.
Whether you’re interested in the intricacies of Vatican politics or just want to enjoy a gripping thriller, Conclave is a timely and engaging watch or read.