Film Influencer 2025 - Conclave

Oh the Catholics! The pope is dead, the throne is vacant, let's watch this drama unfold!

Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow & Isabella Rossellini, is doing the rounds now the awards season has started. Well sort of. The California wildfires (in winter BTW) are impacting these now as we speak.

Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. 

Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.

Conclave described as a mystery thriller film. Set in a deeply religious and lavish setting!

Directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan, based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. 

Conclave has taken a minute to get to Australian cinemas, first premiering at the 51st Telluride Film Festival late August 2024. Had a US cinema release (a large number of Hollywood cinemas are also closed now due to the wildfires) back in October 2024, followed by the United Kingdom cinemas in November. 

Conclave has received positive reviews from critics, & grossed $62.1 million worldwide, while being named one of the top ten films of 2024 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.

Back to it's spotlight at the awards seasons, the film received nominations for six Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and won Best Screenplay, and tied with Wicked for a leading eleven nominations at the 30th Critics' Choice Awards, including Best Picture.

I enjoyed all two hours of Conclave. Yes it was long, but with gripping performances from Lithgow and Fiennes & Tucci, it had me on the end of my seat. Even as someone deeply non religious. The wild process that goes into selecting a new Pope, is like selecting a new member for the deeply divided Northern Beaches seat of Warringah.

This was a solid film, 4 Stars.