As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave after Pope Francis’ death, viewers will soon be able to stream the political thriller “Conclave” on Amazon Prime Video. The film, based on a bestselling novel by Robert Harris and directed by Edward Berger, depicts the intrigue and moral questions within the College of Cardinals during the papal election process. With the recent passing of Pope Francis, the real-life events have added new significance to the movie’s portrayal of the secretive selection of a new pope. Actor Ralph Fiennes stars in the lead role, joined by a star-studded cast that includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.
“Conclave” premiered at the Rome Film Festival and reached $100 million at the box office, receiving critical acclaim and earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Despite only winning one Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, the film has generated significant interest due to its timely reflection of the papal transition process. The movie offers insight into the rituals and politics involved in the conclave, shedding light on the events unfolding in real time as the world mourns the death of Pope Francis.
Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting April 22, “Conclave” was previously offered on Peacock before being removed from the platform earlier this month. The movie can also be rented or purchased through various platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango At Home. Although the film takes creative liberties with its narrative, it captures the essence of a papal conclave with meticulous detail in recreating the Sistine Chapel and other ceremonial aspects. Director Edward Berger’s focus on suspense and tension diverges from the actual conclave procedures but aims to provide audiences with an immersive experience.
Following Pope Francis’ passing, the real-life conclave process must begin within 15 to 20 days to elect the next pope. The College of Cardinals convenes in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy to cast their votes, with ballots counted and burned after each round to signify the outcome—a papal election is announced with white smoke. While “Conclave” presents a dramatized version of the papal conclave, its visual representation and attention to detail aim to evoke the real process closely, offering a glimpse of the profound decision-making involved in selecting a new pope.
In a review by Catholic Review, “Conclave” is described as visually striking yet ideologically charged, featuring a top-flight cast but occasionally slipping into caricature. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he navigates the papal election after the fictional pope’s sudden death. While the movie attempts depth in exploring rival viewpoints within the church, it is criticized for inaccuracies in canon law and plot twists that are deemed exploitative and unrealistic by the review. As the Vatican prepares for the upcoming conclave to select the next pope, the movie offers an intriguing yet fictionalized glimpse into the complex dynamics at play within the College of Cardinals.
With the real-life conclave on the horizon, “Conclave” provides audiences with a fictionalized but insightful look at the papal election process. The Vatican has not announced a specific date for the conclave but tradition dictates that it must commence within three weeks of a pontiff’s death. As viewers anticipate the solemnity of the upcoming conclave, the movie offers a timely exploration of the rituals and stakes involved in selecting the leader of the Catholic Church. Through “Conclave,” audiences can witness the challenges, secrets, and power struggles that shape the election of a new pope, shedding light on the inner workings of the Vatican during a period of transition and reflection.
