Becoming The Muse

Conclave

Conclave is a 2024 thriller movie dramatisation of a papal election. It was directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan, based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The movie had its theatrical release last year and premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 22 April 2025, one day after the death of Pope Francis.

The film follows Ralph Fiennes who plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence as he organises a conclave to elect the next pope, where he finds himself navigating secrets, scandals and mysteries around the candidates.

The Good

The process by which a new pope is selected has always been an intriguing concept, shrouded in the many mysteries that surround the Vatican. Conclave capitilises on that mystique to give us a sensationalised peak behind the curtains. Following the death of Pope Francis the movie has attained a somewhat prophetic glimpse into the Vatican.

Ralph Fiennes delivers a powerful performance as Cardinal Lawrence bringing subtlety and depth to the role that anchors the film. Ralph Fiennes received a lead actor Oscar nomination for Conclave and personally think he should have gotten the award.

The cinematography, costume and production design are top notch, with impeccable attention to detail, as evidenced by the film’s various nominations at the Oscars.

Conclave is a thought provoking production on faith and belief bringing out the tension in the Catholic church between tradition and progress, while reflecting on leadership, inclusivity, and the evolving role of religion in the modern society.

"Certainty is the great enemy of unity.
Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance.
If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery and therefore no need for faith."
🤯🤯 #Conclave pic.twitter.com/bT7nlj7NT6

— ~B 🇿🇼 (@Beatonm5) February 9, 2025

The Bad

While Fiennes’ character is well-crafted, other cardinals are portrayed with less complexity, often embodying stereotypical tropes than realistically nuanced characters.

The film is engaging but certain aspects could be described as overly dramatic, detracting from the overall viewing experience. And speaking of dramatic, Conclave takes creative liberties in its depiction of the papal selection process.

The Ugly

The film’s controversial outlook has a bias which could be perceived as being Anti-Catholic, yes the church has its faults, but Conclave’s depiction of the corruption lacks nuance and fairness and concludes on a sensationalist twist that overshadows all the other aspects of the movie.

Final Thoughts

Conclave is a compelling exploration of faith and identity centred within the secretive world of a Vatican papal election. With strong performances and stunning production, it offers a provocative and timely story.

Have you watched Conclave?