Title: Conclave: A Serviceable Drama Reflecting the Real-World Transition of the Papacy
In a remarkable intersection of fiction and reality, the world was shaken on Easter Monday by the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. As more than a billion Catholics around the globe enter a phase of mourning and contemplation, a new film — Conclave — has surfaced as an eerily pertinent cultural milestone. Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and featuring Ralph Fiennes, Conclave is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, presenting a captivating dramatization of the very process the Vatican is poised to engage in: electing a new pope.
A Tale Grounded in Tradition and Drama
Conclave draws inspiration from the bestselling novel by Robert Harris, celebrated for his skillful political thrillers. The film adaptation immerses viewers in the clandestine and revered realm of the papal conclave — the age-old ceremony in which cardinals from across the globe convene in the Sistine Chapel to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence, a senior church official charged with overseeing the conclave. As the cardinals engage in discussions behind sealed doors, Lawrence stumbles upon a secret that threatens to disrupt the very core of the Church. The film unfolds as a taut, dialogue-driven suspense thriller, filled with whispered conversations, political maneuvering, and ethical dilemmas — all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic religious venues.
A Reflection of Real-Life Events
The timing of Conclave’s debut could not be more significant. Following the departure of Pope Francis, the real-life College of Cardinals is now gearing up to gather in Rome to choose his successor. Though fictional, the film offers a rare and intriguing insight into the intricate dynamics of this solemn and enigmatic procedure — a process that is currently taking place in real time.
This intersection of fiction and reality provides the film with an additional layer of seriousness. As the world watches the Vatican with bated breath, Conclave encourages viewers to reflect on the tremendous responsibility, tradition, and confidentiality involved in selecting the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
Praise and Cultural Relevance
Conclave has garnered significant critical acclaim, boasting a 93% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. The UK’s Sunday Times commended the film as “brisk, smart, and propulsively plotted,” drawing comparisons to “12 Angry Men with incense and some Latin debate.” The film’s tightly woven pacing, astute dialogue, and powerful performances render it not only a gripping drama but also a profound meditation on faith, power, and legacy.
Edward Berger’s direction infuses a cinematic grace into the narrative, while Fiennes offers a layered performance that encapsulates the burden of spiritual and institutional responsibility. The film’s production design — from the splendor of the Sistine Chapel to the stark beauty of Vatican interiors — envelops viewers in a setting where every gesture and word holds centuries of significance.
More Than Just Entertainment
Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, Conclave resonates as a tale about leadership, conscience, and the human endeavor to reconcile personal faith with institutional obligation. At a time when the Catholic Church faces both internal challenges and global scrutiny, the film explores the forces that shape one of the world’s oldest and most influential institutions.
As the world gets ready to bid farewell to Pope Francis and welcome a new pontiff, Conclave provides a cinematic portal into the sacred and secretive procedure that will influence the future of the Catholic Church. It stands as a rare occurrence where life and art converge so dramatically — and so impactfully.
For those looking for a compelling, thought-provoking film that resonates with this historic moment, Conclave is a must-see.
Watch Conclave now on Prime Video.
