What Is the Conclave Movie About
The Conclave movie is a 2024 political thriller directed by Edward Berger. The story follows a group of cardinal electors who gather in the Vatican after the sudden death of the Pope to elect his successor. The plot centers on the tension between tradition and reform within the Catholic Church, with the cardinals debating candidates who represent different visions for the institution. The film adapts Robert Harris's novel and portrays the secret ballot process, power struggles, and ethical dilemmas behind the closed-door proceedings.
Conclave premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in late 2024 and had its theatrical release through Focus Features in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally. The production company is House Productions, with Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner among the executive producers. The film runs approximately 118 minutes and is rated R for language and some sexual content. It was shot at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom and on location in Rome, with cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine.
Main Cast and Characters
The lead role of Cardinal Lawrence is played by Ralph Fiennes, who anchors the narrative as the Dean of the College of Cardinals tasked with organizing the conclave. Supporting roles include Stanley Tucci as a senior cardinal with a sharp political instinct, and John Lithgow as a conservative prelate who opposes reform. The cast also features Isabella Rossellini as the Pope's sister, whose past reveals key motivations behind the late pontiff's decisions.
The film features a predominantly British and European ensemble, with actors such as Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, and Mathieu Kassovitz in pivotal roles. Each cardinal is written with distinct ideological positions, reflecting real-world factions within the Church. The screenplay, also by Edward Berger and Robert Harris, focuses on dialogue-driven confrontations rather than action sequences, emphasizing the psychological stakes of each vote.
Reception and Box Office Performance
Conclave received strong critical praise for its direction, screenplay, and performances, particularly Ralph Fiennes's portrayal. On review aggregator sites, the film holds a high approval rating based on hundreds of critic reviews, with praise for its tense atmosphere and nuanced take on institutional power. It was highlighted by several year-end best-of lists and noted for its disciplined pacing and restrained visual style.
At the box office, Conclave grossed over 90 million dollars worldwide against a reported production budget of around 20 million dollars, making it a commercial success for its distributors. It performed best in markets with strong arthouse audiences, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, and became one of the highest-grossing adaptations of a Robert Harris novel. The film is also in competition for multiple awards season nominations, including consideration from the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.