Conclave, the psychological thriller directed by Edward Berger and taken from Robert Harris’ novel, tells the election of a new pope between intrigues, struggles of power and moral dilemmas in the heart of the Vatican
The Pope died. Another makes it. But who will it be?
It starts like this Conclavethe psychological thriller directed by the Austrian Edward BergerOscar -winning director for Nothing new on the western front (2022). The script, winner of the Oscar 2025 for the Best non -original screenplayis signed by the British Peter Straughan and is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by the writer and journalist Robert Harris.
Entirely immersed among the cardinal corpores and solemn silences of the Vatican Palaces, Conclave It tells the intricate and very rare process of election of the new pontiff, exploring the most dark and human sides. The result is a film full of tension, which culminates in a final twist as surprising as it is destabilizing.
Absolute protagonist is Ralph Fiennesin the role of the cardinal Thomas Lawrencedean of the Cardinal College, in charge of supervising the delicate operations of the papal election. Intrre and tormented man, Lawrence moves between moral dilemmas and power games, driven by a sincere desire to serve the good of the Church, but forced to confront himself with personal ambitions and unconfessable secrets.
A gallery of characters full of ambiguity and tensions moves around him: tensions:
- Stanley Tucci is the cardinal Aldo Belliniprogressive and open to the world, the favorite of Lawrence;
- Sergio Castellitto interprets the cardinal Goffredo Germanintransigent, reactionary and deeply conservative;
- John Lithgow gives face to the enigmatic and ambitious Tremblay;
- Lucian msamati it is the hard and controversial Adeymiwhose past throws disturbing shadows on the present;
- Carlos Diehz lends the face to the mysterious BenitezArchbishop of Kabul created cardinal in secret by the deceased Pope, whose apparition changes the balances in play.
Next to the cardinals, an anomalous and fundamental character: the shrewd Sister Agnesinterpreted by Isabella Rosselliniruler of the cardinals and silent, stoic and authoritarian observer.
Plot of “Conclave”
When the Pope dies suddenly, the millennial rites of the Holy Roman Church are activated. Cardinals around the world meet in the Vatican for the Conclavewith the aim of electing the new Holy Father. While the liturgies, the processions and ritual gestures multiply, under the guidance of Cardinal Lawrence takes shape a silent but fierce battle.
Each cardinal has its ambitions, its secrets, its sins. Bellini, Lawrence’s favorite, seems not to have enough votes. German represents a world vision now obsolete, but still powerful. Tremblay and Adeymi coats dreams of glory. Meanwhile, Benitez, silent but central outsider, shakes everyone’s certainties.
The conclave becomes more and more tense, the votes follow one another between political maneuvers, whispered confessions, veiled accusations. The candidates begin to fall under the weight of their faults: there are those who hide health problems, who a sin of youth, those who have tried to corrupt the other cardinals.
The essence of the film
If Habemus Papam by Nanni Moretti He staged the refusal of power delicately and irony, Edward Berger chooses a very different approach: his Conclave It is an austere and tense journey into the mechanisms of spiritual power, told how they were part of a sophisticated political thriller.
Adapting the novel by Robert Harris – author already chosen by Roman Polański for Man in the shade And The officer and the light – Berger builds a visually elegant and narratively tight story. His direction lingers on ritual details, liturgical objects and Vatican architectures as symbols of an ancient power, now increasingly fragile and under siege.
The church is portrayed as a sumptuous but isolated system, almost suspended out of time, crossed by incurable tensions: between reform and conservation, between spirituality and political compromises, between purity of intent and personal ambitions. The narration does not take sides openly, but leads the viewer to observe the cracks of a millennial institution up close that struggles to speak to the modern world.
Because seeing “conclave” today: the death of Pope Francis
Today, April 21, 2025, the world has learned of the death of Pope Francisa historical figure who deeply marked the Catholic Church and our time. At a time when humanity wonders what it really means to be a spiritual guide in a fragmented world, Conclave It resonates with an even deeper force.
Edward Berger’s film turns today into a powerfully current reflection of reality. The questions raised in the film – on who should be popeup Which world view should embodyup how balance and power balances – They are no longer just narrative, but become part of the public and spiritual debate that awaits us.
Watch Conclave Today it means entering with awareness and critical spirit in the secret rooms of a papal election which, very soon, will also be our reality.
