Conclave

Edward Berger's 2024 film follows cardinals gathered to elect a pope. The dean running the process is also questioning his own faith. Information about the candidates leaks. The film builds its tension on a closed ballot; the narrative makes the institution's own politics its real subject and brings an explanation at the close. Ralph Fiennes leads. It is adapted from a novel and won the Academy Award for adapted screenplay. The revelation at the close caused argument. Who it's for: those who like enclosed thrillers and institutional politics. Who it's not for: viewers expecting action; the film rests entirely on talk.