1 min readIn case you weren't burdened with catholic guilt as a child, you may not know that the pope died recently. Pope Francis died on April 21, and since then the papal thriller Conclave has topped the Apple TV charts. Now, as the real-life conclave begins in Vatican City, the film continues to dominate the top spot.
The multi-award winning movie follows the inner workings of the papal conclave - the gathering where a new pope is elected. While the actual ceremony remains shrouded in secrecy, the film's writer Peter Straughan met with a cardinal, toured the Vatican, and discussed the logistics of the conclave to make the film as true to form as possible. As it stands, the gossipy thriller is the closest most of us will ever get to experiencing the process. It is no wonder so many people are tuning in to watch.
The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto as members of the clergy. Each cardinal has a role to play, struggling with their devotion to a higher power while also seeking higher power for themselves. When secrets and betrayals begin to bubble to the surface, they'll need to bring them to light not just for the sanctity of the church, but for God themselves. The wonderful cinematography, punctuated with subtle, but perfectly timed laugh-out-loud visual gags is the perfect set up for this oddly high-stakes film.
Alongside Apple TV, Conclave is currently the top pick in Google Play Movies & TV, and Amazon Prime Video. It will set you back $6.99 to rent, or $19.99 to buy on any of the platforms.
