Conclave (2024)

After the Pope (Bruno Novelli) dies of a heart attack, an English cardinal (Ralph Fiennes) leads a conclave which will elect a new Pope. But secrets and corruptions among the most popular candidates threaten to upend the election process. Based on the novel by Robert Harris and directed by Edward Berger (ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT). A first rate melodrama with excellent performances (Fiennes is brilliant)! The intricacies of the Roman Catholic papal election process are, for the most part, painstakingly adhering to accuracy although there are some dubious matters (like in pectore) that are questionable. The film works as a spellbinding mystery as layers are peeled, each revealing that the cardinals are just as prone to ambition or tempted by corruption as lesser mortals. It's gripping, amusing and filled with tension. Die hard Catholics may perceive an anti Catholic bias or resent the more progressive views of the film. With John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, Sergio Castellitto and Carlos Diehz.