Genre : Mystery / Thriller / Drama

Runtime : 2hr

Language : English

IMDb : 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes : 93%

Letterboxd : 3.9/5

Metacritic : 79%

Wikipedia : Link

Director : Edward Berger

Cast

Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati

Plot

Conclave is a political thriller set in Vatican City. When the Pope unexpectedly dies, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), Dean of the College of Cardinals, must oversee the secretive conclave convened to choose his successor. As the gathering of cardinals assemble in the Vatican’s halls, power dynamics, loyalties, and moral ambiguities surface. Lawrence finds himself investigating the deceased Pope’s hidden past—uncovering scandals, conflicting loyalties, and secrets that challenge the integrity of the Church. Among the candidates are Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a liberal with strong convictions but weak public backing; Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), a moderate with his own hidden agenda; Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a traditionalist whose authority wins deference; and Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), who witnesses much behind the scenes. The narrative builds through a tight timeline filled with intrigue, betrayal, secrecy, and faith as Lawrence navigates the conclave’s rituals, politics, and hidden motives—all culminating in a choice that could reshape not just the Church, but conscience itself.