Conclave Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of cardinals play political hot potato with the papacy, and the twist is that the new pope has more secrets than the Vatican gift shop.

🍿 Conclave: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Death of the Pope and Gathering of Cardinals

The film opens with the unexpected death of the Pope, throwing the Catholic Church into a state of mourning and triggering the convocation of the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, is tasked with overseeing the secretive process of electing a new Pope. Cardinals from around the world gather in the Vatican, each with their own agendas and hidden ambitions, setting the stage for political intrigue and power struggles.

Secrets and Scandals Emerge

As the Cardinals begin the process of deliberation and voting, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a series of deep secrets and scandals that threaten to shake the very foundation of the Church. These revelations involve several of the leading candidates for Pope, exposing their past misdeeds and hidden agendas. Lawrence finds himself caught in a web of conspiracies, forcing him to question his own faith and the integrity of the electoral process.

Political Maneuvering and Compromises

The Cardinals engage in intense political maneuvering, forming alliances and making compromises in an attempt to secure the necessary votes for their preferred candidate. Key players emerge, including the progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) and the conservative Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), each representing different visions for the future of the Church. Lawrence navigates this complex landscape, attempting to maintain order and fairness while uncovering the truth behind the various scandals.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes): As the Cardinal-Dean, Lawrence is tasked with leading the papal conclave and uncovering secrets that could shake the Church.
• Bellini (Stanley Tucci): Cardinal Bellini is a progressive contender for the papacy who initially feigns disinterest.
• Tremblay (John Lithgow): Cardinal Tremblay is an ambitious and manipulative conservative vying for the papacy through any means necessary.
• Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati): Cardinal Adeyemi is a progressive candidate whose past actions become a point of contention.
• Benitez (Carlos Diehz): Cardinal Benitez, secretly appointed by the late Pope, becomes a surprising and controversial candidate for the papacy.
• Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini): Sister Agnes, head caterer and housekeeper, is an observant and influential figure within the conclave.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lawrence: “Our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand-in-hand with doubt. If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery. And therefore no need for faith.” – Cardinal Lawrence expresses his belief that doubt is essential to faith, highlighting his own internal struggle.
• Lawrence: “Let us pray that God will grant us a Pope who doubts. And let him grant us a Pope who sins and asks for forgiveness and who carries on.” – Cardinal Lawrence encapsulates a forward-thinking vision for the church, embracing human fallibility.
• Benitez: “I am as God made me.” – Cardinal Benitez responds to Lawrence’s revelation about the intersex condition of the new Pope with a message of faith and self-acceptance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,529,865
• Worldwide Gross: $101,757,497

💥 Conclave Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a stuffy history lesson, but wow, was I wrong! I was on the edge of my seat, and the tension in the Sistine Chapel was thicker than the incense. The way Ralph Fiennes played Cardinal Lawrence, you could feel his doubts and struggles. It was intense! Then BAM, that ending? I did NOT see that coming. Seriously, it made me rethink everything. Go see this movie, you won’t regret it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in the inner workings of the Catholic Church”
  • “Those who enjoy character-driven dramas”
  • “Admirers of Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to religion and politics”
  • “Brief mentions of past scandals within the Catholic Church”
  • “Thematic elements related to faith, doubt, and morality”
  • “A scene involving a suicide bombing.”

Professional Reviews

• The Globe and Mail: “Conclave is a smart, absorbing thriller that dives deep into the Vatican’s inner workings. Fiennes delivers a captivating performance as Cardinal Lawrence, and the film keeps you guessing until the very end. A must-see for fans of political intrigue.
• Variety: “While Conclave occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition, it’s a compelling look at faith and power. The performances are top-notch, especially Tucci as the conflicted Cardinal Bellini. The film delivers a unique experience behind the closed doors of the Vatican.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Conclave presents a thought-provoking narrative and a visually stunning experience, thanks to excellent cinematography and production design. Despite some issues with pacing, the movie offers an intriguing exploration of the Catholic Church’s inner politics and personal moral dilemmas.

Audience Reactions

The ending twist was wild and completely unexpected!: Viewers loved the performances of Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, finding them captivating and engaging.

The cinematography and the depiction of Vatican were gorgeous: Viewers thought the film was visually appealing with excellent cinematography and attention to details.

Overall Consensus: Conclave is a well-acted and engaging political thriller that offers a unique glimpse into the secretive world of papal elections, although some viewers find its ending controversial.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris, known for historical thrillers.”
• “Director Edward Berger chose to focus on the human drama and political intrigue within the conclave, rather than the religious aspects.”
• “Filming took place at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, allowing for authentic recreations of Vatican interiors, including partial recreations of the Sistine Chapel.”
• “The production team consulted with Catholic experts to ensure accurate portrayal of conclave procedures and traditions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Conclave?

Conclave is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cinema showtimes if you prefer a theatrical experience. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Conclave, you might like these similar films:

• Doubt (2008): Explores themes of faith, doubt, and moral ambiguity within the Catholic Church.
• The Two Popes (2019): Depicts the relationship and contrasting ideologies between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Vatican politics.
• Angels & Demons (2009): A thriller set in the Vatican, involving secret societies and conspiracies within the Catholic Church.
• All the King’s Men (2006): Explores political corruption and moral compromises, similar to the power dynamics within the conclave.

🛒 Conclave Related Products

• Conclave: The Complete Series [Kindle Edition]: Dive deeper into the world of ‘Conclave’ with the complete ebook series. Featuring bonus content, character backstories, and behind-the-scenes details, this Kindle edition enhances the movie experience and brings the political intrigue to life.
• Conclave Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: The ultimate edition for fans, this set includes the film on Blu-ray, a making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and a booklet with exclusive insights from the director and cast. A premium package celebrating the artistry of ‘Conclave.’
• Conclave: Vatican Intrigue – Strategy Game: Step into the shoes of a cardinal and navigate the treacherous politics of the Vatican. Form alliances, uncover secrets, and influence the vote to become the next Pope in this engaging strategy game. Perfect for fans of political intrigue.
• Official Conclave Movie Poster (24×36): High-quality print featuring the striking theatrical poster for Conclave. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Conclave features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Miserere” – performed by Gregorio Allegri
• “Original Score Excerpts” – performed by Volker Bertelmann

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Inside the conclave: How it works

Ever wonder how they actually pick a new Pope? This CNN explainer breaks down the whole secretive process – it’s way more interesting than you’d think and super helpful for understanding the movie!

Catholics Should Be PISSED At This Movie

Ben Shapiro thinks this movie is potentially anti-Catholic. Is he right, or is it just a different perspective? Check out his review and decide for yourself!

“I’m Sick Of This Bullsh*t”: Megyn Kelly Slams Offensive Movie ‘Conclave’ While Hollywood Disagrees

Megyn Kelly’s got some strong opinions about ‘Conclave’ and isn’t holding back. Hollywood seems to disagree, but what do *you* think? This clip is short but definitely gets the conversation going.

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