Conclave arrives as a 2024 political mystery-thriller directed by Edward Berger, adapting Robert Harris’s 2016 novel about the secretive election of a new pope. The film centres on Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who must navigate the corridors of Vatican power whilst overseeing the selection process following the sudden death of the pontiff.
The narrative unfolds within the sealed chambers of the Sistine Chapel, where progressive and conservative factions vie for control of the Catholic Church’s future. As rivalries intensify and long-buried secrets surface, the integrity of the conclave itself faces unprecedented challenges.
Shot on location in Rome and at Cinecittà Studios, the production gathered an ensemble cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. The project marks Berger’s follow-up to his acclaimed work on All Quiet on the Western Front, with a screenplay crafted by Peter Straughan.
Where to Watch Conclave Movie?
- Director: Edward Berger
- Based on: Robert Harris novel (2016)
- Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
- Theatrical Release: 25 October 2024
Key Insights
- Political thriller examining the ancient ritual of papal election
- Themes of tradition versus modernity within institutional religion
- Ensemble cast featuring multiple Academy Award nominees
- Critical acclaim particularly for Fiennes’s central performance
- Limited streaming information available for post-theatrical UK release
- US streaming commenced 26 November 2024
- Box office grossed $32.5 million domestically
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery & Thriller / Drama |
| Runtime | Not specified in available sources |
| MPA Rating | PG-13 for thematic material and smoking |
| Plot Hook | Cardinal runs conclave amid secrets and rivalries |
| US Theatrical | 25 October 2024 (Focus Features) |
| UK Theatrical | 29 November 2024 (Black Bear UK) |
| US Streaming | 26 November 2024 |
| UK Streaming | Unconfirmed; verify current availability |
| Premiere | 51st Telluride Film Festival, 30 August 2024 |
| Box Office (US) | $32.5 million |
As of April 2026, no confirmed UK streaming date exists for Netflix or specified OTT platforms. Audiences should verify current availability through video-on-demand services such as Prime Video or Apple TV, as limited releases typically follow this path post-theatrical.
For comprehensive details on casting and trailer analysis, see our dedicated guide to Conclave – Cast, Netflix UK, Trailer and Rating.
Who is in the Conclave Movie Cast?
The Cardinals
Ralph Fiennes leads as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the reluctant dean tasked with managing the electoral process. Stanley Tucci portrays Cardinal Bellini, a progressive voice within the college, whilst John Lithgow appears as Cardinal Tremblay, representing conservative traditionalist factions.
Sergio Castellitto plays Cardinal Tedesco, another contender for the papacy, with Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi, bringing Nigerian perspective to the deliberations. Isabella Rossellini appears as Sister Agnes, navigating the conclave’s periphery.
Supporting Roles and Crew
Brian F. O’Byrne features as O’Malley, with Carlos Diehz in supporting capacity. Behind the camera, Edward Berger directs following his Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front. Peter Straughan, known for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, adapted Harris’s novel. Volker Bertelmann composed the score, with Stéphane Fontaine (A Prophet) handling cinematography.
Suzie Davies, who served as production designer on Conclave, previously created the aesthetic for Cast of Saltburn, bringing distinct visual sensibilities to both projects. Executive producer Steven Rales co-financed the production via Indian Paintbrush.
What is the Conclave Movie Release Date?
United States Theatrical Run
Focus Features distributed a limited theatrical release on , expanding nationwide by . Some sources initially indicated a expansion plan, though the confirmed wide date settled in early November.
United Kingdom and International
Black Bear UK handled the British release on . The film premiered earlier at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on . International markets saw staggered debuts, with Germany releasing on and France following on .
Post-Theatrical Availability
US streaming platforms began offering the title on . As of April 2026, the initial theatrical run has concluded, having grossed $32.5 million domestically.
What Do Reviews Say About Conclave Movie?
Critical consensus highlights the film as a mystery thriller and drama, praising particularly Fiennes’s performance, Berger’s direction, Straughan’s screenplay, and the cinematographic work. The MPA assigned a PG-13 rating, citing thematic material and smoking.
User aggregation on Movie Insider recorded a 4.14 out of 5 rating from 14 votes. The film earned classification as a critical darling upon release, though specific aggregated scores remain unspecified in available documentation.
Reviewers consistently singled out the ensemble’s dramatic interplay and the claustrophobic tension achieved within Vatican settings. The adaptation maintains fidelity to Harris’s source material whilst expanding visual scope through Rome and Cinecittà locations.
How Did Conclave Move from Novel to Screen?
- 2016: Robert Harris publishes the novel Conclave, establishing the literary foundation.
- Early 2023: Principal photography commences in Rome and at Cinecittà Studios under Berger’s direction.
- March 2023: Production wraps following location work in Italian capital.
- 30 August 2024: World premiere at the 51st Telluride Film Festival generates initial critical response.
- 25 October 2024: Limited US theatrical debut through Focus Features.
- 26 November 2024: US streaming availability begins.
- 29 November 2024: UK theatrical release via Black Bear UK.
- April 2026: Initial theatrical run concludes; post-theatrical availability ongoing.
What Remains Uncertain About Conclave?
| Established Information | Information Remaining Unclear |
|---|---|
| Theatrical release dates for US (25 Oct 2024) and UK (29 Nov 2024) | Precise runtime duration (unspecified in sources) |
| Principal cast including Fiennes, Tucci, Lithgow, and Rossellini | Confirmed UK Netflix or specific OTT release scheduling |
| US streaming commencement (26 Nov 2024) | Exact Rotten Tomatoes critical percentage scores |
| Production crew including Berger, Straughan, and Bertelmann | Physical media release dates (Blu-ray/DVD) |
| Box office performance ($32.5M US gross) | International streaming platform exclusivity periods |
The Context Behind Conclave
Robert Harris’s 2016 novel provides the narrative skeleton, transplanting the political thriller genre into ecclesiastical architecture. The story examines the papabile selection process, wherein cardinals isolate themselves from external influence until white smoke signals consensus. Though fictional, the procedural details draw from historical conclave traditions.
Berger’s directorial approach, fresh from the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, brings methodical tension to chamber drama. Straughan’s screenplay adaptation condenses Harris’s narrative whilst preserving the novel’s cynical examination of institutional power. The production benefited from Suzie Davies’s production design, which rendered Vatican interiors with oppressive grandeur.
Critical Voices and Official Statements
It is a war.
Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), official trailer
The trailer’s declaration encapsulates the film’s combative approach to ecclesiastical politics. Critical assessments emphasise the “sumptuously produced, superbly acted” nature of the final product, noting the ensemble’s ability to convey theological weight amidst procedural intrigue.
Summary of Key Facts
Conclave stands as a 2024 political mystery-thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal navigating papal election intrigue. The film completed its theatrical run in April 2026 following a $32.5 million US box office performance, with US streaming available from late November 2024. UK audiences must verify current platform availability, as specific OTT release dates remain unconfirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Conclave movie on Netflix?
US Netflix began streaming the film on 26 November 2024. UK Netflix availability remains unconfirmed as of April 2026; verify current listings.
What is the length of Conclave movie?
The exact runtime remains unspecified in available technical documentation and databases.
When did Conclave movie release in the UK?
Black Bear UK distributed the theatrical release on 29 November 2024.
Who wrote the Conclave movie?
Peter Straughan adapted Robert Harris’s 2016 novel for the screen.
Is Conclave based on a true story?
The film adapts Harris’s fictional novel, though it incorporates authentic procedural elements from historical papal conclaves.
What is the rating of Conclave movie?
The MPA rated the film PG-13 for thematic material and smoking. User polls average 4.14/5.
Who directed Conclave?
Edward Berger directed, following his Academy Award-winning work on All Quiet on the Western Front.
Where was Conclave filmed?
Production occurred in Rome and at Cinecittà Studios during early 2023.
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