Image Credits: Focus Features
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Focus Features is set to release Conclave, the highly anticipated political thriller from All Quiet on the Western Front director Edward Berger, in U.S. theaters on October 25. The film, which premiered to critical acclaim at the 51st Telluride Film Festival in August, offers a gripping exploration of the Vatican’s papal election process, weaving a chilling conspiracy at its core.
Story behind the ‘Conclave’ movie:
Based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel of the same name, Conclave centers on the dramatic aftermath of the Pope’s death, as the Catholic Church’s highest-ranking officials prepare to elect his successor. Two-time Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes leads the film as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with overseeing the sacred conclave—a secretive and tightly controlled process meant to determine the next leader of the Church. However, the somber election soon takes a dark turn, as Lawrence uncovers a hidden secret the late Pope took to his grave. The discovery throws the race for papal power into turmoil, implicating multiple candidates and raising questions about their fitness to lead.
Conclave movie: Starcast
The film features a star-studded ensemble cast playing the cardinals vying for the coveted position.
Stanley Tucci portrays the liberal Cardinal Bellini,
John Lithgow potrays the corrupt Cardinal Tremblay,
Carlos Diehz potrays the unexpected dark horse, Cardinal Benitez,
Sergio Castellito’s Cardinal Tedesco and Lucian Msamati’s Cardinal Adeyemi will be adding complexity to the race. Isabella Rossellini rounds out the cast as a suspicious nun who shares Lawrence’s concerns about the election’s integrity.
The screenplay, penned by Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy writer Peter Straughan, brings Harris’s tense narrative to life, blending political intrigue with religious tradition. Berger’s directorial approach promises a taut, suspenseful atmosphere as the cardinals’ maneuvering intensifies, and the stakes grow higher with each passing vote.
Conclave delves into the murky waters of power and secrecy within the Church, posing profound questions about morality, leadership, and the lengths individuals will go to secure influence. With its timely exploration of institutional politics, Conclave is set to captivate audiences with its masterful storytelling and powerful performances.