Conclave is nominated for eight Academy Awards which include: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. The 97th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
Conclave has grossed $87 million dollars worldwide according to Box Office Mojo by IMDbPro. It was released in U.S. theaters on October 25, 2024. It was based on a novel by Robert Harris.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of Conclave is a private meeting or secret assembly. especially: a meeting of Roman Catholic Cardinals secluded continuously while choosing a people.
This is exactly where the movie takes us. It starts at the death bed of the current pope. He has just passed away. He is surrounded by a room full of senior cardinals and archbishops. The body is not even cold, and they are snatching his papal ring off his hand and tucking it away. The room is completely full and now the process begins.
Ralph Fiennes is Cardinal Lawrence, the Dean of Cardinals. He is joined by Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow). Cardinals from around the world make their way to the Vatican to vote on the next successor.
As the movie continues Cardinal Lawrence leads the way. It is a very politically charged environment full of agendas and clashing views.
Fiennes does not disappoint in this role. This is a solid film with a strong storyline. It shows us the vulnerabilities and consequences of decisions. The actors are amazing, and they give strong performances throughout the film. You feel the upset, the anger, and the hunger for this potential office. The performances alone make it worth the watch.
You are not going to want to miss this if you enjoy thrillers. It is a great film. It is smart, entertaining, and engaging. It is worthy of an Oscar or eight.