Now that Pope Francis has been laid to rest, there’s a renewed fascination with the centuries-old traditions of the Vatican. Eyes are turned toward the secretive process that will determine his successor, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, set to begin on May 7.
It’s a deeply consequential moment, and one that plays out in the recent thriller Conclave.
Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave centers on the election of a new pope after the reigning pope’s sudden death. Ralph Fiennes leads a powerhouse cast as a cardinal who finds himself at the center of a conspiracy during the papal election. John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Stanley Tucci all deliver memorable performances.
Based on a book by Robert Harris (Enigma, The Ghost), Conclave draws from real-life Vatican tradition, but cranks up the drama for entertainment value. The secrecy, the symbolism, the power struggles — they’re all rooted in truth, but the film leans into betrayals, high-stakes revelations and a jaw-dropping twist.
In reality, the election of a pope is a solemn, procedural affair. In Conclave, it’s a powder keg of political intrigue and personal secrets — less about incense and prayer, more about shadows and suspense. It’s obviously not a documentary, but that’s what makes it gripping.
Here’s all the info on where to stream Conclave.
Where to watch Conclave
Streaming:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can now stream Conclave for free as long as you’re a Prime subscriber.
Rental and purchase:
- YouTube: Rent for $6 or buy for $20.
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent for $6 or buy for $20.
- Apple TV: Rent for $6 or buy for $20.
- Google Play Movies: Rent for $6 or buy for $20.
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Fandango at Home: Rent for $6 or buy for $20.
Concave is a highly acclaimed film, having been nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, with Fiennes nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Rossellini for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Conclave currently holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.4/10 on IMDb.
So whether you’re interested in the intricacies of Vatican politics or just want to enjoy a gripping thriller, Conclave is a timely and engaging watch.
