“Conclave” is the new religious thriller directed by Edward Berger. It was filmed on location in Rome and stands out for its intriguing atmosphere and exploration of the power dynamics within the Catholic Church.
The story follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List and Harry Potter), who is tasked with leading the conclave to elect a new Pope after the sudden death of the pontiff.
The cast also features notable figures like Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada), who plays Cardinal Aldo Bellini, John Lithgow (Footloose) as Cardinal Tremblay and Isabella Rossellini (Death Becomes Her) as Sister Agnes.
Is Conclave inspired by real events?
Even though it might seem based on real events, it’s not! “Conclave” is not inspired by a true story but by the best-selling book of the same name by Robert Harris, published in 2016.
While it draws inspiration from the real tradition of the papal conclave and reflects the ancient ritual of this election in the Vatican, it introduces fictional elements, such as scandals and hidden secrets within the Catholic Church.
The setting is realistic, but the story is filled with fictional twists and drama, often compared in tone to the HBO Max series “Succession” due to the tensions and power struggles among the characters.
The plot follows the events of a secret conclave to elect a new Pope after the sudden death of the reigning pontiff. Ralph Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence, who leads the conclave while dealing with a personal crisis of faith.
The screenplay was adapted by Oscar-nominated Peter Straughan. The thriller was primarily shot in Rome at Cinecittà Studios, and its production aims to reflect the realistic and oppressive atmosphere of the Vatican.
The title has been described as a film that blends religion and politics, inviting viewers to reflect on faith, power and the secrets within the Church. It is expected to be one of the most intriguing movies of 2024.
When is Conclave released?
“Conclave” is scheduled to premiere in the United States on November 1, 2024 and in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2024, following its presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Not much is known yet about its streaming debut, but it is likely to become available online a few months after its theatrical release. Therefore, it’s worth staying tuned for updates from the platform.
