Conclave (2024) is a political thriller directed by Edward Berger, starring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence. The film follows the secretive process of electing a new Pope after the sudden death of the incumbent, uncovering scandals that threaten the Catholic Church. Based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, the story explores power, faith, and institutional secrecy within the Vatican walls.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and received a theatrical release in the UK and US in October 2024. It has been praised for its strong performances, particularly Ralph Fiennes, and its stunning cinematography. Conclave has a 93% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for multiple Golden Globes in 2025.
What Is Conclave About?
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2024 (UK, exact date TBC) |
| Director | Edward Berger |
| Genre | Political Thriller |
| Based On | Novel by Robert Harris (2016) |
Key Insights
- Conclave is a critically acclaimed adaptation of Robert Harris’s bestselling novel, directed by Oscar-winner Edward Berger.
- The film explores the secretive papal conclave process, blending political intrigue with religious drama.
- Ralph Fiennes leads an ensemble cast of esteemed actors, each playing cardinals with conflicting agendas. For a deeper look at his career, see Ralph Fiennes Movies – Complete Guide to His Best Films and Career.
- Availability varies by region: in the UK, it is currently available on Prime Video; no Netflix streaming as of 2025.
- The film was shot on location in Rome, including the Museo della Civiltà Romana, adding authenticity to the Vatican setting.
Key Facts About Conclave
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release | 2024 (theatrical, then digital) |
| Director | Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) |
| Writer | Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) |
| Budget | Approximately $30 million |
| Box Office | Over $80 million worldwide |
| Awards | Nominated for multiple Golden Globes (2025), including Best Picture (Drama) and Best Actor – Ralph Fiennes |
Who Stars in Conclave?
The Cardinal Ensemble
Ralph Fiennes leads the cast as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, a British liberal and Dean of the College of Cardinals tasked with running the election. The ensemble includes Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Aldo Bellini, an American progressive reformer; John Lithgow as Cardinal Joseph Tremblay, a Canadian moderate; and Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi, a Nigerian conservative. Sergio Castellitto plays Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco, an Italian traditionalist. Isabella Rossellini appears as Sister Agnes, the cardinals’ housekeeper.
The film also features Brían F. O’Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O’Malley, Lawrence’s assistant, and Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Vincent Benitez, a little-known Mexican archbishop of Kabul. Merab Ninidze and Jacek Koman play additional cardinal candidates. The cast reflects the global nature of the Church, with actors from the US, UK, Italy, Nigeria, Mexico, and elsewhere.
Key Roles
Each cardinal represents a different faction within the Church — progressive, conservative, traditionalist — creating a tense dynamic during the election. Fiennes’ character, Cardinal Lawrence, is central to the story as he investigates the candidates and uncovers deep secrets left by the deceased Pope. The full cast list is available on IMDb. For more on the lead actor, see Ralph Fiennes Movies – Complete Guide to His Best Films and Career.
Where Can You Watch Conclave?
Theatrical and Digital Release
Conclave opened in US theaters on October 25, 2024, initially as a limited release in select major markets. The film became available for digital rental and purchase on January 10, 2025, across all major platforms. You can stream, rent, or buy it via Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, Apple, Vudu, and other digital retailers. Some sources list a streaming release of November 26, 2024, but the primary widespread digital availability is confirmed for January 2025.
As of 2025, Conclave is not available on Netflix in the UK or US. Any site offering the full movie for free is likely unofficial and may be illegal. The only legal way to watch is through rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
UK Availability
In the UK, the film is currently available on Amazon Prime Video (rent or buy). It is not available on Netflix UK. Exact release dates for other regions may vary, so check local listings. The film’s theatrical release in the UK was in October 2024, with digital release following in December 2024.
Where Was Conclave Filmed?
Filming Locations in Rome
Principal photography for Conclave took place in Rome, Italy. Key locations include the Museo della Civiltà Romana and the Palazzo dei Commendatore. These settings were chosen to replicate the Vatican’s interiors and add authenticity to the story. The film’s production design, praised by critics, relies heavily on these real locations to create a convincing atmosphere of secrecy and power. More details on filming locations can be found on Movie Locations.
The Museo della Civiltà Romana is a museum in Rome’s EUR district, while the Palazzo dei Commendatore is a historic building near the Vatican. Both are accessible to the public, though the film’s specific sets may not be open for tours.
Conclave Trailer and Release Date
The official trailer for Conclave was released in mid-2024, showcasing the film’s tense atmosphere and stellar cast. Below is a timeline of key events from the novel’s publication to the film’s awards season.
- 2016 – Robert Harris publishes the novel “Conclave”
- 2022 – Film adaptation announced, Edward Berger attached to direct
- 2023 – Principal photography begins in Rome, Italy
- 2024-09 – Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival
- 2024-10 – Theatrical release in UK and US
- 2024-12 – Digital release on Amazon Prime Video (UK)
- 2025-01 – Golden Globe nominations announced
The film runs approximately 120 minutes and is directed by Edward Berger, best known for All Quiet on the Western Front. The screenplay was written by Peter Straughan, based on Harris’s novel. Conclave’s release shortly before the actual 2025 papal conclave added real-world resonance to the story.
Certainty vs. Uncertainty: What You Need to Know
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Conclave is available on Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy) in the UK | The film’s release date in other regions may vary |
| Conclave is not currently on Netflix in the UK | A sequel or series is planned (no official confirmation) |
| Free streaming of the full movie is not legally available | Exact UK theatrical release date not confirmed |
Analysis and Context: Why Conclave Matters
Conclave is a political thriller that uses the papal election as a lens to explore themes of power, secrecy, and faith in the modern world. The film contrasts tradition versus modernity, with conservative and progressive factions clashing within the Church. Cardinal Lawrence’s struggle with his own faith mirrors the broader crisis of institutional integrity. The story also highlights the global nature of the Church, featuring candidates from Nigeria, Canada, Mexico, and Italy, reflecting the potential for a non-European pope.
Compared to the novel, the film adaptation streamlines the plot while retaining the central mystery. Director Edward Berger, fresh from his Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, brings a slow-burn, suspenseful style. The film’s reception has been strong, with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and Golden Globe nominations. However, some critics have called the ending controversial and divisive, arguing it undermines the film’s earlier strengths. For more context, see Golden Globes – Conclave.
Key Quotes and Sources
“Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope.”
– IMDb
“Conclave is a political thriller that delves into the clandestine process of electing a new pope.”
– Golden Globes
General reference: Wikipedia – Conclave (film).
What’s Next for Conclave?
Watch for upcoming award announcements, including the Oscars and BAFTAs in 2025. If you enjoyed the film, consider reading the original novel by Robert Harris. For more on the lead actor, see Ralph Fiennes Movies – Complete Guide to His Best Films and Career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘Conclave’ mean in the movie?
In the film, ‘Conclave’ refers to the secret meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope. The term is derived from Latin ‘conclave’ meaning ‘a room that can be locked’.
Is Conclave based on a true story?
No, the story is fictional, but it is grounded in the real procedures of a papal conclave.
Who is the lead actor in Conclave?
Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, the lead character and protagonist.
Can I watch Conclave on Netflix?
As of 2025, Conclave is not available on Netflix in the UK or US. It is available on Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy).
How long is Conclave?
The runtime is approximately 120 minutes (2 hours).
Related stories
Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.