One of the great things about movies, and art in general, is that there’s almost always something that fits the mood or moment we find ourselves in. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or learn about baseball, there’s a movie for that. But what if you’re looking to find out what happens next now that Pope Francis is dead? You’re covered there, too.
A month after a prolonged and harrowing hospitalization, the Catholic Church’s first pontiff from the Americas died from a stroke and heart failure on Monday. Now is the time for mourning, but the search for a new pope will begin soon.
Interestingly, the last decade has had no shortage of Pope-themed movies and shows. HBO produced 2016’s The Young Pope and its sequel series in 2020’s The New Pope, both starring Jude Law. In 2019, The Two Popes, with Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, came out, which saw a newly elected Pope Francis find common ground with his more traditional predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.
While those are all interesting, none are as perfectly suited to this specific moment as Conclave, which was released in October 2024. The film follows the Dean of the Vatican’s College of Cardinals (played by Ralph Fiennes) as he leads the titular Conclave, a process that culminates in a vote to choose the next pope. The movie, which was nominated for eight Oscars and won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay, is one of the most exciting, well-paced, and interesting films of the last few years. And if it’s ever going to be timely, that time is now.
In addition to Fiennes, the movie stars the beloved actors Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. If your interest is piqued, here’s how you can watch it.
How to watch Conclave right now
Following its theatrical release last year, Conclave is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, where it began streaming free for subscribers on Tuesday, the day after Pope Francis died.
You can also rent and purchase the papal thriller on Amazon, as well as Apple TV, and Google Play.
Stream Conclave on Amazon Prime
If you’re a physical media purist, the film is also available on 4k UHD and Blu-ray.
Buy Conclave on 4K UHD/Blu-ray Here
