An unexpected major Oscar contender has entered the race, and it’s a doozy.Conclave, a pope thriller set in the Vatican, is getting widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Starring Ralph Fiennes, the film follows a cardinal in the midst of a vast conspiracy during the selection of a new pope, one of the most secretive processes in the world.Conclaveis in theaters this weekend, andit’s safe to say it’s probably the best film out on the big screen at this moment.
With a93% Certified Fresh scoreonRotten Tomatoes,Conclaveis gearing up to be a must-watch this weekend. Armored with a stacked cast, the film is being praised forits “riveting” scriptthat takes time to develop but is more than worth the audience’s patience. Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) directs the thriller Focus Features, who recently released the Lego-based biopicPiece By Pieceand is set to scare audiences with the highly-anticipated Nosferatu later this year. But if you want to experience some high-end storytelling in the meantime,Conclaveis your best option this weekend.
Of course,Conclavefaces some stiff competition during its opening weekend, but it has a chance to make a splash.Venom: The Last Dance,which is currently facingan uphill battle at the box office, is the biggest movie release this month. On a reported $20 million budget,Conclaveis looking to get around a third of it back this week with a $4 to $6 million weekend pull, according toVariety. This will surely set it up to get most of its production costs back, and play in plenty of theaters to be eligible for the Academy Awards next year.
Conclave Boasts an Impressive Cast & Crew
Conclaveboasts an impressive cast and crew that will surely get some butts in theater seats just by name value alone. In addition to Fiennes, the stacked film also featuresStanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. The supporting cast is filled up by Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, Sergio Castellitto, Brian F. O’Byrne, Merab Ninidze, Jacek Koman, Rony Kramer, and Joseph Mydell. The official plot synopsis forConclaveteases a sweat-inducing mystery that blows the lid on a sacred ceremony, hidden in the shadows:
“CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.”
Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci & John Lithgow Fight to Crown a New Pope in Conclave Trailer
Conclave is directed by Edward Berger, who helmed the great remake of All Quiet on the Western Front, and hits theaters this November.
Edward Berger directs a script by Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), who adapted the 2016 novelConclaveby Robert Harris. The entire film is generating palpable awards season buzz, but Fiennes and the directing crew are getting the most praise at the moment. Fiennes could find himself receivingthe third Oscar nomination of his veteran career. If so, he could finally take home the Best Actor prize, which he was nominated previously for inThe English Patient.
Cardinal Lawrence leads the secretive papal election at the Vatican, where he uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could destabilize the Church’s foundation as leaders gather from around the world.
