Conclave Review (2024): A Vatican Thriller With More Than Just Incense and Robes

Last updated on 2025-06-01

Genre(s) – Thriller, Mystery, Drama
Director – Edward Berger
Writer – Peter Straughan
Main Cast – Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini
Runtime – 120 Minutes
My Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆

Where To Watch/Stream Conclave

This isn’t just about selecting a pope – it’s about power, legacy, and the hidden battles within the Church.

Plot Summary of Conclave (Spoiler-Free)

Conclave is set in the Vatican after the death of the sitting pope, which throws the College of Cardinals into action as they gather to select his replacement. The movie mostly takes place inside the walls of the Vatican, in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a retreat-like facility where the cardinals are locked away from the outside world. They’re here for one reason: to vote in a new pope, following centuries-old rituals and, of course, the all-important papal election process.

But here’s the twist – this isn’t just about voting. It’s about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that happens when power is up for grabs. As the cardinals begin their deliberations, each one reveals their ambitions, hidden agendas, and desires for the future of the Church. Think Game of Thrones, but with more incense and fewer dragons. You’ve got ambitious cardinals trying to sway votes, alliances forming and breaking, and long-hidden secrets bubbling to the surface.

The movie plays out almost like a political thriller set in a religious setting, with all the intrigue and backstabbing you’d expect when the stakes are this high. As tensions rise and the cardinals debate the direction the Church should take, a murder mystery begins to unfold, adding another layer of complexity to the already intense situation.

Is someone trying to sabotage the election? Is there foul play in the pope’s death? And, perhaps most importantly, who will ultimately be elected to lead the Catholic Church? The film builds up to an ending that leaves you questioning what you just watched, in a way that’s both satisfying and, in some cases, a little too neat.

Conclave Review: Is It Worth Watching?

So, here’s the big question: Is Conclave worth the time you’ll spend on it? Well, this film is a pretty solid experience. It’s engaging, it’s gripping, and it’s definitely not what you expect when you think about a movie based on the selection of a pope. It’s a tight, political thriller wrapped in a religious setting, with an ensemble cast that knows how to deliver.

Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow are all incredible, and they fully commit to their roles. I mean, you could see how much fun they were having in these parts. Fiennes in particular is brilliant – his portrayal of a cardinal who has ambition, but also struggles with the weight of the job, is really good. Every time he’s on screen, you can feel the pressure mounting, and it really drives the emotional stakes of the film.

Then there’s the setting. It’s easy to make the Vatican look like a boring old place of worship with grand buildings and long hallways, but the director, Edward Berger, brings something fresh here. The film’s visuals are striking, with the grand processions of cardinals in their red robes, the cloistered hallways, and the atmosphere of secrecy that pervades the entire movie. It all builds this tension that feels almost alive. There’s a feeling of something hanging over these people – like a ticking clock, counting down to something inevitable.

But I will admit, the ending is where Conclave stumbles a bit. Without giving too much away, it feels a little too convenient. It’s one of those endings that seems to force a modern-day political commentary into the mix, and while I understand why the filmmakers chose that direction, it’s just a bit much. It’s almost like they decided to wrap things up with a neat bow, when what was working so well before was the uncertainty and rawness of the situation. You’ll either love it or feel like you’ve been hit over the head with a hammer of relevance. Personally, I felt it was a bit forced and didn’t do justice to the complexity of the film.

Despite that, Conclave is still a good watch. It’s one of those films that might not blow you away with its plot twists, but it’ll keep you engaged with its strong performances and detailed world-building. It’s smart, it’s classy, and it takes its subject matter seriously without getting lost in overly preachy moral lessons.

I’d give Conclave a solid 7/10. It’s worth the watch, especially if you enjoy political dramas with a religious twist. Just be prepared for an ending that might leave you scratching your head a little bit.

What I Liked (And What I Didn’t Like)

Pros

Strong Cast

There’s no denying it – the performances in Conclave are stellar. Ralph Fiennes leads the charge, bringing a quiet intensity to his role as Cardinal Lomelli. He’s surrounded by a fantastic cast, including Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow, who each bring their own brand of gravitas to the story. Tucci, especially, plays his role with a mix of charm and subtle menace. Every time he’s on screen, you can’t help but wonder what’s really going on behind his smile.

Intriguing Political Drama

Forget what you think you know about the Vatican. Conclave takes you into the closed doors of the Church with a surprising amount of political intrigue. The drama is less about religion and more about power – how the cardinals navigate their alliances and ambitions is the real core of the film.

Visuals and Cinematography

Edward Berger’s direction shines in Conclave. The visual style is sleek, clean, and efficient, but it also emphasizes the gravity of the setting. The shots of the Sistine Chapel, the red robes of the cardinals, and the darkened hallways are all gorgeous. The cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine creates an atmosphere that perfectly matches the stakes of the election.

Tension Throughout

The pacing is tight, and the film never drags. From the moment the cardinals are locked away in their little bubble, you feel the pressure mounting. There’s a constant sense of something happening just outside the door – whether it’s political maneuvering or a looming danger. The tension never lets up, and that’s one of the film’s strongest suits.

Strong Themes of Power and Ambition

The film explores deep themes of power, ambition, and what people are willing to do to climb to the top. It’s a commentary on the nature of leadership, and how those who seek power often aren’t the ones who should have it.

Cons

The Ending Feels Forced

Look, I get it. The filmmakers wanted to make a statement about the modern world, but the ending felt a bit too convenient. It’s like they couldn’t resist tying everything up with a contemporary message that, frankly, felt shoehorned in. I’d have preferred a more subtle, less preachy conclusion.

Predictable Plot Twists

While the film is mostly engaging, some of the plot twists feel a bit predictable. It’s easy to spot who’s going to backstab whom and when the next revelation will come. It’s not that it’s badly executed, but if you’ve seen enough political thrillers, you’ll likely figure out the big reveals well before they’re unveiled.

A Bit Heavy-Handed at Times

The film tends to be a little too on-the-nose with its commentary on power and ambition. There are moments where it feels like the film is telling you what it’s about instead of letting you figure it out, and a little more subtlety would’ve gone a long way in making these themes feel more impactful.

Missed Opportunities for Deeper Exploration

The Vatican is a complex institution, but the film doesn’t really delve into its darker side – corruption, scandal, etc. Instead, it keeps the focus tightly on the election process. While this is fine for the narrative, I felt like the film missed an opportunity to explore the more controversial aspects of the Church.

A Little Too Much Focus on Ceremony

While the rituals and ceremony of the Vatican are integral to the story, they sometimes drag down the pacing. There’s only so much pomp and circumstance one can take before it starts to feel like filler. A little more focus on the personal drama would’ve balanced things out better.

Who Might Like Conclave?

Fans of political dramas and thrillers will definitely enjoy Conclave. The Vatican setting gives it a unique twist, but really, it’s a movie about ambition, power, and the ruthless fight to get to the top. If you’re the type who loves high-stakes dramas with sharp dialogue and moral gray areas, Conclave should be on your radar.

Who Might Dislike Conclave?

If you’re someone who doesn’t care about religious institutions or politics, Conclave might not be for you. Don’t expect much fast-paced action, so if you need constant thrills and explosions, this will probably feel like a slow burn. People who dislike movies that take a deep dive into institutional power struggles might also find it a bit dull. And if you’re looking for a simple, straightforward plot, be warned – it’s all about the tension between the characters, and that’s where most of the drama lies.

Final Verdict: Did I Enjoy Watching Conclave?

In the end, I’d say Conclave is an interesting, well-crafted film that takes a subject most people would overlook and turns it into a solid political thriller.

The performances are top-notch, the setting is gorgeous, and the stakes are high – perfect ingredients for a gripping watch. While the ending feels a bit heavy-handed, and the twists are a little predictable, overall, it’s an enjoyable experience. If you’re into political dramas or religious history, this one’s worth checking out.

Conclave Trailer

Conclave Film Facts

• The film is based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, though it diverges from the book in some dramatic plot developments, especially the ending.
• Filming took place in Rome and Cinecittà Studios, where the Sistine Chapel was painstakingly recreated
• Lucian Msamati, who plays Adeyemi, is the first actor of African descent to portray a papabile in a major film.
• The film won four BAFTAs
• Ralph Fiennes personally consulted with a former Vatican official to prepare for his role as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, focusing on how ecclesiastical figures carry themselves in private.
• The Vatican reportedly issued an internal memo discouraging clerics from commenting on the film, though no formal condemnation was made – unlike previous films with religious themes.

Simon Leasher

A lover of cinema for over 35 years, I try and look at the good and bad points of films while advising whether someone might like the film or not. More

And yes, The Godfather 2 is better than The Godfather.