Exploring the Movie “Conclave”
In Edward Berger’s 2024 political thriller Conclave, the sacred halls of the Vatican become the stage for a gripping tale of ambition, secrecy, and transformation. Based on Robert Harris’s acclaimed novel, the film invites viewers into the clandestine world of papal elections, where ancient rituals intersect with modern dilemmas, and the quest for spiritual leadership reveals the complexities of human nature.
The narrative unfolds with the sudden death of Pope Gregory XVII, prompting the College of Cardinals to convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor. Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the College, is entrusted with overseeing this solemn conclave. As ballots are cast and alliances form, Lawrence uncovers hidden truths and past secrets that threaten to disrupt the sanctity of the process. Among the prominent contenders are Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a progressive voice; Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), a traditionalist; Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a staunch conservative; and Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), a Nigerian cardinal with aspirations to become the first African pope. The unexpected arrival of Archbishop Vincent Benítez (Carlos Diehz), claiming a secret elevation to cardinal by the late Pope, adds a layer of intrigue, challenging the established order and testing the boundaries of faith and tradition.
The film’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in its recreation of Vatican settings, achieved through elaborate sets and digital effects, as filming within the actual Vatican was not permitted. Costume designer Lisy Christl drew inspiration from 17th-century cardinal vestments, opting for a rich crimson hue that enhances the visual authenticity of the period. Ralph Fiennes immersed himself in his role by consulting with real-life cardinals and donning authentic ecclesiastical garments, lending credibility and depth to his portrayal. Director Edward Berger, known for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front, brings a nuanced perspective to the film, exploring the intersection of faith, power, and personal conviction. The screenplay, penned by Peter Straughan, delves into the psychological complexities of the characters, highlighting the moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of spiritual authority.
Conclave boasts a stellar ensemble cast:
- Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence
- Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini
- John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay
- Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco
- Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi
- Carlos Diehz as Archbishop Vincent Benítez
- Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes
Their performances have been lauded for bringing depth and nuance to the complex characters navigating the treacherous waters of ecclesiastical politics.
For those eager to experience this compelling drama, Conclave is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, it can be rented or purchased on platforms such as Apple TV, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. The film was previously available on Peacock until April 2025.
Critics and audiences alike have praised Conclave for its intelligent storytelling and masterful performances. The film holds a 93% critics score and an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its widespread acclaim. Ralph Fiennes’s portrayal of Cardinal Lawrence has been described as a “master class in acting,” anchoring the film’s exploration of faith, power, and morality.
The Cast
Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence – Ralph Fiennes delivers a commanding and introspective performance as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Lawrence is the spiritual anchor of the film—a man torn between his devotion to the Church and the political machinations unfolding within the conclave. Fiennes plays the role with his trademark gravitas, subtly portraying the weight of centuries of tradition that rests on Lawrence’s shoulders. With quiet authority and inner conflict, Fiennes makes Lawrence both a guardian of faith and a detective of human motives. His portrayal is layered with emotion, as he uncovers truths that not only shake his beliefs but also alter the course of the election.
Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini – Tucci brings wit, charm, and razor-sharp intelligence to Cardinal Bellini, a progressive voice in the conclave who advocates for reform and a modern vision of the Church. Bellini is charismatic and politically savvy—qualities that Tucci navigates with natural finesse. Known for his ability to balance likability with cunning, Tucci’s performance gives Bellini a magnetic presence. Whether engaging in whispered negotiations or delivering impassioned arguments, he brings a spark to the film’s many tense moments, making Bellini a standout contender for the papacy.
John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay – John Lithgow portrays Cardinal Tremblay, a staunch traditionalist who represents the old guard of the Vatican. With his commanding voice and precise timing, Lithgow infuses Tremblay with both dignity and deep-seated resistance to change. He embodies the tension between continuity and transformation that underpins the conclave, giving the role a layered sense of moral certainty. His scenes with Fiennes in particular are rich with philosophical debate, underscoring the ideological divides within the College of Cardinals. Lithgow makes Tremblay an immovable force—one that must be reckoned with, even as the Church stands at a crossroads.
Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco – Italian actor Sergio Castellitto plays Cardinal Tedesco, a conservative candidate deeply rooted in theological orthodoxy and Vatican tradition. Castellitto brings a quiet intensity to the role, portraying Tedesco as deeply devout but politically shrewd. His stoicism is a sharp contrast to the emotional currents running through the conclave, making him a mysterious and formidable figure. Castellitto’s experience in European cinema lends authenticity and weight to his performance, making Tedesco feel like a cardinal shaped by both history and holy doctrine.
Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi – Lucian Msamati shines as Cardinal Adeyemi, a younger, dynamic candidate from Nigeria who represents the global face of Catholicism. Adeyemi is a symbol of possibility and change—a cardinal from the Global South with a strong pastoral background and a reformist message. Msamati’s performance is full of quiet strength and emotional sincerity. He brings a grounded humanity to Adeyemi, painting him as a man of deep conviction who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. His candidacy is both inspirational and controversial within the conclave, and Msamati’s magnetic presence ensures he remains a central figure in the viewer’s mind.
Carlos Diehz as Archbishop Vincent Benítez – Carlos Diehz plays the enigmatic Archbishop Vincent Benítez, who enters the conclave under mysterious circumstances. Claiming to have been secretly made a cardinal by the late Pope, Benítez’s arrival upends the order of proceedings. Diehz imbues the character with intrigue and quiet confidence, portraying him as a figure who carries not just secrets, but the power to alter the future of the Church. With a background in Latin American film, Diehz brings both freshness and intensity to the role, challenging the other cardinals and forcing them to confront truths they’d rather ignore.
Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes – Though not a cardinal, Isabella Rossellini’s Sister Agnes plays a vital role as the keeper of order within the walls of the conclave. Rossellini lends her character a sense of wisdom, devotion, and grace. As the only significant female presence in the story, she offers a quiet but poignant contrast to the male-dominated power dynamics at play. Her observant nature and subtle commentary add emotional depth to the film, and Rossellini’s elegant performance reminds viewers of the silent but profound role women play in the life of the Church.
Each of these actors brings their character vividly to life, enriching Conclave with performances that are as complex and multi-faceted as the story itself. Their collective portrayal turns what could have been a dry procedural into a deeply human and emotionally resonant drama about power, faith, and the burden of leadership.
The Kicker
The ending of Conclave is steeped in mystery and emotional revelation, bringing the film’s spiritual and political tensions to a haunting crescendo. Without giving away every twist, the finale hinges on a dramatic, deeply personal discovery made by Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) that reshapes everything the audience—and the cardinals—thought they understood about the election.
Spoilers Ahead – The Mysterious Ending Explained – As the final ballots are cast and the votes near a decisive result, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a letter from the deceased Pope Gregory XVII. This letter contains a shocking revelation: the late Pope had secretly appointed Archbishop Vincent Benítez as a cardinal—an elevation that was never publicly announced or entered into official Vatican records. The letter confirms that Benítez is not only a legitimate cardinal, but that Pope Gregory intended for him to be the next pope.
But the revelation doesn’t stop there.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Lawrence pieces together the true reason behind Benítez’s mysterious presence at the conclave: Benítez is the illegitimate son of Pope Gregory XVII—a fact that was hidden for decades to protect both the Church and the child. The Pope, wracked with guilt and love for his son, brought him into the clergy and eventually elevated him in secret, hoping he might fulfill a destiny both spiritual and redemptive.
This bombshell sends Cardinal Lawrence into a personal crisis. For a man who has upheld Church law with unwavering conviction, he now faces the impossible task of either honoring the Pope’s dying wish or preserving the integrity of the conclave as defined by canon law. To reveal the truth would be to unleash scandal on the Church. To bury it would mean silencing the Pope’s final act of faith.
In the final moments of the film, Lawrence makes a fateful decision. Though the film leaves some elements deliberately ambiguous, it is implied—through the visual symbolism of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney—that Benítez is elected as the new Pope. The election itself is not shown in detail, but Lawrence’s solemn expression, combined with the tone of quiet awe among the cardinals, suggests that the conclave has embraced the revelation, perhaps seeing it as divine will rather than scandal.
A Thematic Ending – The mysterious ending serves not just as a plot twist, but as a powerful meditation on forgiveness, legacy, and the evolving nature of faith. It raises questions about the intersection of human frailty and spiritual authority. The election of a Pope who is both the biological son of the previous pontiff and a spiritual leader in his own right challenges the very notion of papal purity—but also suggests a Church ready to move beyond the strict confines of secrecy and toward something more compassionate and real.
Symbolism and Ambiguity – The final shots of the film—Lawrence alone in a chapel, kneeling in prayer, the gentle tolling of bells—leave viewers in reflective silence. Berger doesn’t offer all the answers. Instead, he leans into ambiguity, trusting the audience to wrestle with the film’s core question: What does it truly mean to be chosen?
The inclusion of an intersex storyline in Conclave is one of the film’s most surprising and thought-provoking turns—an emotional and thematic centerpiece that adds a daring layer to its exploration of identity, secrecy, and the evolving nature of the Catholic Church.
Toward the end of the film, it’s revealed that Archbishop Vincent Benítez, the secret cardinal and son of the deceased Pope, was born intersex. This revelation is handled with sensitivity and gravity, not as a sensational twist, but as a deeply personal and spiritual truth that challenges the traditionalist framework of the Vatican.
Thematic Significance – The film uses Benítez’s intersex identity to underline its broader questions:
- What defines a person’s spiritual worth?
- Can institutions built on rigid tradition embrace the full spectrum of human experience?
- And more provocatively: What does it mean to be “chosen” by God, especially when one’s existence defies conventional categories?
Benítez’s intersex identity becomes symbolic of duality—male and female, sacred and secret, human and divine. It challenges the strict gender binaries that have historically underpinned Church doctrine and invites a more inclusive interpretation of holiness and leadership. Director Edward Berger and screenwriter Peter Straughan don’t exploit this aspect of the character; instead, they frame it as a quiet but powerful challenge to the conclave’s worldview—and to the audience’s.
Emotional Impact – The moment when Cardinal Lawrence learns the truth is one of the most emotionally charged scenes in the film. His initial shock is followed not by judgment, but by compassion and awe. It’s a turning point that humanizes both Lawrence and Benítez, and it steers the story toward its bold final resolution. The Church, through the symbolic smoke and solemn acceptance of Benítez, appears ready—at least within the film’s fictional universe—to move toward a more inclusive future.
Cultural Context – This element of Conclave has sparked discussion among viewers and critics. For some, it’s a controversial choice. For others, it’s a long-overdue gesture toward representation and a radical reimagining of what spiritual leadership can look like. Either way, it demonstrates that the film is unafraid to engage with contemporary issues—even within the most tradition-bound settings.
Final Reflection – The intersex revelation in Conclave isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a lens through which the entire film’s themes of hidden truth, divine mystery, and human dignity come into focus. It elevates the story from a well-crafted thriller to a quietly revolutionary piece of cinema. In doing so, Conclave dares to ask: Can the Church—and the world—recognize the sacred in forms it has never before understood?
It’s a bold narrative risk.
In this way, Conclave doesn’t end with a clean resolution but with a powerful invitation to contemplate the nature of truth, faith, and redemption.
Final Thoughts and Summary
This is not a typical political thriller. It’s a cerebral, introspective drama that prioritizes character over spectacle, mystery over melodrama. The film’s weighty themes—power, secrecy, legacy, and spiritual responsibility—unfold within the hallowed walls of one of the most secretive institutions on Earth, and that alone makes it worth watching. But it’s the outstanding performances, especially Ralph Fiennes’s quietly searing turn as Cardinal Lawrence, that elevate Conclave into something truly memorable.
Visually elegant, emotionally rich, and intellectually provocative, Conclave is a rare gem in modern cinema—thoughtful, timeless, and deeply human. For lovers of high-stakes drama, ecclesiastical intrigue, and sophisticated storytelling, it belongs on every must-see list. Whether you’re drawn in by the mystery or the moral dilemmas, Conclave lingers long after the final bell tolls.
Conclave is not a film that races toward its conclusion—it moves with the solemn, deliberate cadence of the rituals it portrays. Its pace is methodical, and its power is cumulative. While some, such as Nerd-Central, noted that the movie was “a bit slow and hard to follow” at times, even they conceded that Conclave ultimately delivers a powerful and rewarding experience. It’s a story that demands attention and patience—but for those willing to sit with its quiet intensity, the payoff is profound.In conclusion, Conclave offers a riveting glimpse into the secretive world of papal elections, blending historical authenticity with dramatic flair. Its exploration of timeless themes and moral complexities makes it a must-watch for those interested in political thrillers and ecclesiastical narratives. The film’s resonance is further amplified by its timely release, coinciding with real-world events in the Catholic Church, underscoring the enduring relevance of its themes.
