Conclave: Your Ultimate Guide to Streaming Edward Berger’s Oscar-Nominated Papal Thriller
Edward Berger’s enthralling new film, Conclave, has swiftly captivated audiences and critics alike, making a significant impact on the awards circuit. This deeply resonant religious thriller, which delves into the secretive process of electing a new Pope, has garnered widespread attention, culminating in an impressive eight Oscar nominations. Whether you’re eager to witness the cinematic drama unfold or curious about its critical reception, this comprehensive guide will detail everything you need to know about Conclave, including where to stream it, its stellar cast, intriguing plot, and the controversies it has navigated.
The film officially premiered on October 25, 2024, setting the stage for its eventual critical acclaim. Its journey to the Academy Awards was confirmed with the nominations announcement on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Conclave proudly secured nods for Best Picture, Best Actor for the formidable Ralph Fiennes, Best Supporting Actress for the iconic Isabella Rossellini, alongside recognition for Costume Design, Film Editing (Nick Emerson), Production Design, Best Original Score (Volker Bertelmann), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Peter Straughan). This robust collection of nominations places it among the year’s most celebrated films, surpassed only by Emilia Perez (13 nominations), Wicked (10), and The Brutalist (10), solidifying its status as a must-see cinematic event.
Despite courting some controversy over its portrayal of Catholic traditions and figures, the film’s artistic merits and powerful storytelling have evidently resonated with the Academy. Its ability to navigate sensitive subject matter while maintaining a compelling narrative underscores its masterful direction and screenplay. The film’s intricate exploration of faith, power, and human nature within the Vatican’s sacred walls has sparked conversations globally, inviting viewers to ponder universal questions of leadership and morality.
Conclave’s Oscar Buzz: A Closer Look at Its Nominations
The eight Academy Award nominations for Conclave highlight the film’s excellence across multiple disciplines, from its acting performances to its technical achievements. The nod for Best Picture is arguably the most prestigious, signifying the film’s overall impact and quality. It positions Conclave as one of the year’s most important cinematic works, recognized for its compelling story, masterful execution, and timely themes.
Ralph Fiennes’s Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of Cardinal Lawrence is a testament to his commanding performance. Fiennes, known for his ability to convey complex emotional depths, brings gravitas and nuanced vulnerability to a character tasked with navigating a labyrinthine political and spiritual landscape. His performance anchors the film, drawing audiences into the high-stakes drama of the conclave.
Isabella Rossellini’s Best Supporting Actress nomination for Sister Agnes is particularly noteworthy. In a cast predominantly composed of male cardinals, Rossellini’s character stands out, offering a quiet yet formidable presence that adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative. Her performance, often understated, speaks volumes about the different facets of faith and authority within the Church’s ancient institutions.
Beyond the acting accolades, Conclave‘s technical nominations underscore its meticulous craftsmanship. The Costume Design nomination acknowledges the intricate detail and authenticity applied to the ecclesiastical vestments, contributing significantly to the film’s immersive atmosphere. Nick Emerson’s Film Editing nomination recognizes the taut pacing and seamless transitions that maintain the thriller’s suspenseful energy over its “tension-riddled 72 hours.” The Production Design team’s achievement in recreating the solemn grandeur of the Vatican City environments, particularly the Sistine Chapel, further immerses the audience in the film’s unique setting. Volker Bertelmann’s Best Original Score nomination highlights music’s crucial role in amplifying the film’s emotional intensity and dramatic tension, making the internal struggles and external pressures palpable.
Finally, Peter Straughan’s Best Adapted Screenplay nomination is a credit to his skillful adaptation of Robert Harris’s bestselling novel. Straughan’s ability to translate the novel’s intricate plot and character dynamics into a compelling cinematic narrative, while retaining its core themes and suspense, is central to the film’s success. This array of nominations collectively showcases Conclave as a film that excels not just in storytelling but in every facet of its production, making it a truly remarkable cinematic achievement of the year.
The Timely Narrative: Pope Francis’s Passing and the Conclave
The fictional narrative of Conclave gains a compelling, almost eerie, resonance due to its timing. The film’s plot, which hinges on the death of a Pope and the subsequent election of his successor, arrives just months before the fictional passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. According to the film’s narrative context, the late Pontiff dies at the age of 88 in Vatican City, a mere day after delivering his final Easter prayer, the traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World), to the public. This powerful address typically offers a message of peace and hope, reflecting the Church’s universal reach.
A portion of Pope Francis’s final fictional message, as presented by the Vatican within the film’s universe, reads: “Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge. Evil has not disappeared from history; it will remain until the end, but it no longer has the upper hand; it no longer has power over those who accept the grace of this day.” This poignant message sets a reflective tone for the events that follow, emphasizing themes of grace, redemption, and the enduring struggle between good and evil, which are central to the film’s exploration of faith and human nature within the highest echelons of the Church. The alignment of the fictional timeline with the film’s release creates a potent atmosphere, inviting audiences to reflect on the institution of the Papacy and the profound implications of its leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Delving into the Plot: What is ‘Conclave’ About?
Conclave is a masterful adaptation of Robert Harris’s acclaimed bestselling novel of the same name. Set exclusively within the hallowed, secretive confines of Vatican City, the film plunges viewers into the intense, behind-closed-doors process by which the College of Cardinals convenes in the historic Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope following the death of the previous one. This age-old tradition, steeped in ritual and immense spiritual significance, is portrayed with gripping realism and dramatic tension.
The film’s narrative unfolds over a “tension-riddled 72 hours,” as the official logline, shared by Deadline, aptly describes. It depicts a compelling confrontation between entrenched tradition, intricate politics, and profound faith. Far from being a dry procedural, Conclave focuses on the “all-too-human aspects of a hallowed procedure,” stripping away some of the sacred mystique to reveal the ambitions, doubts, flaws, and convictions of the men (and one woman) charged with arguably the most significant spiritual decision in the world. The film speculates on the role of religion in a rapidly changing global landscape, questioning how ancient institutions adapt to modern challenges and what kind of leadership is truly needed in such turbulent times.
Ralph Fiennes, who plays Cardinal Lawrence, articulated the film’s core inquiry in an October 2024 interview with TODAY. He explained, “I think the film asks the question: Who is the person that is best? Who is the right person to take this extraordinary position of spiritual leadership? And what we want them to be spiritually, to have a great spiritual foundation as a person.” This central question drives the entire plot, as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with investigating potential candidates and navigating the complex dynamics of the conclave, grapples with the immense responsibility of selecting a leader for over a billion Catholics. The film masterfully explores how an individual, despite their human imperfections, rises to embody such profound spiritual authority, or perhaps how the system itself is designed to find such a person.
The Illustrious Cast of ‘Conclave’
The success of Conclave is undoubtedly bolstered by its exceptional ensemble cast, bringing gravitas and depth to their complex roles. Leading this distinguished group is Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, the central figure tasked with overseeing the secretive papal election. Fiennes delivers a performance of remarkable subtlety and intensity, portraying a man caught between his spiritual duties, his personal integrity, and the intricate political maneuvering of the conclave. His character often acts as the audience’s guide through the labyrinthine procedures and personal revelations that define the film.
Joining Fiennes in the College of Cardinals are an array of seasoned actors, each embodying distinct personalities and ideologies. Stanley Tucci brings his characteristic charm and sharp intellect to Cardinal Bellini, a figure whose motivations and alliances keep the audience guessing. Sergio Castellitto portrays Cardinal Tedesco, adding another layer of traditionalism and experience to the proceedings, while Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Benitez and Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi represent different geographic and cultural perspectives within the global Church, highlighting the diverse opinions that shape the election. John Lithgow, with his formidable screen presence, rounds out the cardinal lineup as Cardinal Tremblay, a figure whose past and present actions significantly influence the conclave’s trajectory.
Providing a crucial counterbalance to this heavily male-dominated cast is Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes. Her character is unique and pivotal; while often silent, her presence is profoundly formidable. Sister Agnes represents an external yet integral voice within the Vatican, hinting at other forms of influence and wisdom beyond the cardinalate. Her performance, which earned her an Oscar nomination, underscores the film’s commitment to exploring varied perspectives within its sacred setting. Together, this powerful cast delivers performances that elevate Robert Harris’s intricate narrative, making Conclave a compelling character study woven into a high-stakes political thriller.
Where to Stream ‘Conclave’: Your Viewing Options
For those eager to watch Edward Berger’s acclaimed film Conclave from the comfort of their own home, you’re in luck. The film is readily available across several platforms, offering both streaming and transactional video-on-demand options. Given its recent Oscar buzz and critical success, now is the perfect time to experience this gripping papal thriller.
Primary Streaming Platform:
- Peacock: Conclave is currently available for streaming on Peacock. If you have a subscription to Peacock, you can watch the movie at no additional cost beyond your monthly or annual subscription fee. This is often the most cost-effective way to view the film for existing subscribers.
Rent or Purchase Options (Premium Video On Demand – PVOD):
If you don’t have a Peacock subscription or prefer to own the film digitally, Conclave can be rented or purchased through various digital storefronts. These options provide flexibility, allowing you to watch the film on your preferred device and at your convenience. The primary platforms offering rental and purchase options include:
- Prime Video: Amazon’s streaming service allows users to rent or buy Conclave, making it accessible to a vast audience, even without a Prime subscription.
- Apple TV+: For users within the Apple ecosystem, Conclave is available for rent or purchase through Apple TV+ (formerly iTunes Store).
- Fandango at Home: Formerly Vudu, Fandango at Home is another popular digital video store where you can rent or buy the film.
- Google Play Movies: Android users and those who prefer Google’s digital content ecosystem can find Conclave available for rent or purchase via Google Play Movies.
Theatrical Re-release:
In anticipation of the Academy Awards, many critically acclaimed films often return to cinemas for a limited engagement, allowing audiences another opportunity to experience them on the big screen. Conclave is expected to follow this trend, with a potential return to theaters ahead of the Oscars. If you prefer the immersive experience of a movie theater, it’s highly recommended to check your local listings for showtimes. This could be a unique chance to witness the film’s grand production design and powerful performances in their intended cinematic format.
Regardless of your viewing preference, there are ample opportunities to watch Conclave and delve into its captivating narrative. Below, find out how to watch Conclave in the days following the fictional Pope Francis’ passing, and immerse yourself in this compelling story of faith, politics, and power.
Why ‘Conclave’ Is a Must-Watch
Conclave stands out as more than just a political thriller; it’s a profound exploration of human nature under extraordinary pressure. Edward Berger’s direction, coupled with Peter Straughan’s insightful screenplay, brings Robert Harris’s novel to life with an intensity that is both intellectual and emotionally resonant. The film masterfully uses the ancient, secretive ritual of the papal election to probe universal questions about leadership, faith, morality, and the corrupting influence of power.
The stellar performances by Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, and the rest of the ensemble cast breathe life into their complex characters, making their struggles and ambitions feel deeply authentic. Each cardinal represents a facet of the modern Catholic Church, from traditionalists to reformers, and their clashes illuminate the challenges facing religious institutions in a rapidly evolving world. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the human flaws within the sacred, reminding us that even those in positions of immense spiritual authority are susceptible to doubt, ambition, and personal convictions.
The film’s nominations across major categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, are a clear indication of its quality and impact. Its technical achievements in production design, costume design, editing, and original score create an immersive and authentic atmosphere, transporting viewers directly into the hallowed halls of the Vatican. Conclave is a thought-provoking, beautifully crafted, and intensely dramatic film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re drawn to its intricate plot, its philosophical inquiries, or its captivating performances, Conclave is an essential watch for anyone seeking intelligent and compelling cinema. Don’t miss the opportunity to stream or catch it in theaters and experience one of the year’s most acclaimed films.