The movie Anora emerged as the big winner at the 2025 Academy Awards; however, another title that stood out was Conclave. This religious thriller directed by Edward Berger won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, awarded to Peter Straughan for his script based on the novel by Robert Harris. Despite being nominated in eight categories, Conclave only took home one statuette, reflecting the recognition of its valuable narrative in a year of strong competition.
A movie about the conspiracies following the death of a Pope
The plot of Conclave unfolds in the Vatican after the death of the Supreme Pontiff. In an environment marked by intrigue, Cardinal Lawrence is forced to initiate a conclave, where the leaders of the Church seek to elect the new Pope. Caught in a web of conspiracies, the protagonist must unravel secrets that could jeopardize the foundations of the institution. Ralph Fiennes, who plays the cardinal, has been praised for his performance, which captures the character’s emotional confusion through glances and subtleties, rather than through heavy dialogue.
Despite its success in the script category, the notable absence of Cónclave in other categories has been a topic of debate. Some critics suggest that errors in the Academy’s voting may have affected its chances. Edward Berger, who had already triumphed with All Quiet on the Western Front, has highlighted the depth of Fiennes’ performance, who manages to convey the complexity of the character without the need for grand speeches.
Those interested in watching Conclave can currently find it in theaters in 39 Spanish cities. The film will also be available soon on the Movistar Plus+ platform, with a subscription of 9.99 euros per month, allowing more viewers to experience this intriguing exploration of power and faith in the current context of the Catholic Church.
