A gripping thriller set in the Vatican’s hallowed halls, where the Pope’s sudden death ignites a ruthless race for power. The film mirrors our own temptations, probing how far ambition can corrupt. Thought-provoking, twisty, and visually stunning, with standout performances and tech finesse. A balanced entertainer that checks all the boxes.

Ralph Fiennes is a chameleon. He literally fits in every role he has ever done. The craftsmanship of conclave is absolutely beautiful for our eyes. The cinematography of the movie is very beautiful. The story takes time to hook you but when it hooks you, it's a thriller ride to see who becomes the next pope. The reveal at the end was very shocking and also serves as a metaphor.

Conclave is a political thriller that is quite intense, filled with secrets and personal ambitions that clash with morality. Ralph Fiennes delivers an outstanding performance, and the storyline is intriguing and full of twists, even though the ending feels a bit odd. However, overall, this film is definitely worth watching.

Conclave, based on a novel of the same name by Robert Harris, with an adapted screenplay by Peter Straughan and is directed by Edward Berger. The movie came across various accolades including the Academy Awards 2025 for the Best Adapted Screenplay. Conclave is a dramatic thriller, revolving around the death of a pope, the democratic election of a new one and the meticulous procedures for the election of pope, The Conclave. At first instance, Conclave seemed to be a drama with a slow narrative and as the movie progressed, it shifts its genre to a hooking thriller with prominent plot twists, right until the end. The screenplay is structured in a way which engages the viewer right after the initial minutes and the execution is on a whole another level. The visual narrative was purely a wonder along with a genre breaking sound track, that pounds up your heart beat every now and then. Conclave discusses the political scenarios across the globe and how the church plays a role in the representation of the changing world. Subtly, the movie goes deep into the misogynistic structure of the world politics along with the reoigion and the makers deserves all the praises to bravely voice out this political views in a community based thriller. Ralph Fiennes was absolutely spectacular as the struggling conductor of the Conclave, who encounters the revelations inside the church community. Upto an extend it's his character, Cardinal Lawrence's fight against the misconducts and injustice inside the community. The performances of Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini were deep and hard hitting along with all other actors, who they screen shared with. Conclave was one among the finest cinematic experience I encountered in recent times and if you haven't watched it yet, I strongly recommend it to all the movie goers out there. Strong and Vivid indeed! Love, Mac..

Edward Berger’s Conclave, based on the 2016 novel, is a fictional portrayal of the power struggle among 118 Cardinals in the Vatican following the death of the Pope. At its core, it’s a political thriller that draws relevant parallels to real-world figures—especially in the U.S.—who have sidestepped accusations of crime and corruption. While Conclave pulses with political intrigue, it’s also quiet and meticulous, finding tension in the smallest of moments. Yet, it’s never too quiet to lose your attention. This is achieved through its cinematography, with a striking color palette that pops off the screen. The compositions aren’t just visually appealing; they serve the storytelling, subtly reinforcing the film’s power dynamics. Thematically and tonally, Conclave is reminiscent of 2008’s Doubt, though it’s much more beautiful to look at. What stands out, too, is the modern setting—Cardinals smoking, arguing, and scrolling on their phones—creating a fascinating juxtaposition between the ancient institution and present-day realities. And then there’s the cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow deliver wonderful performances, inhabiting their roles and making every sharp line of dialogue land. Though I’m not deeply familiar with Catholicism or religious practices, I still enjoyed what was going on behind the Vatican’s closed doors and closets.