Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Twists and turns in thriller about search for a new pope.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Conclave
What's the Story?
In CONCLAVE, after the death of the Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with taking charge of the election of the new pontiff. But Lawrence's task proves more challenging that he had first envisaged as he faces several surprises and conspiracies along the way.
Is It Any Good?
This gripping thriller marks the first English-language film from Oscar-nominated director Edward Berger, who captivated audiences with his adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front. Berger returns with another literary adaptation, this time bringing Robert Harris' stirring novel Conclave to the screen. Power and the lengths people will go to attain it form the heart of this story, much like the themes that fueled Succession and Game of Thrones. But here, the stakes are different—the battle is for the papacy, not corporate or royal crowns. It's a taut, brilliantly exciting thriller with palpable tension, making it one of 2024's most captivating films. As in Berger's previous work, the music score plays a pivotal role, setting the tempo and amplifying the film's dramatic and thrilling moments. Conclave is full of twists, but its final "surprise" feels somewhat underwhelming, arriving too late in the story to spark the deeper exploration it deserves. Before you can fully digest it, the credits roll. While this doesn't diminish the brilliance of the filmmaking, it leaves the film just shy of being the masterpiece it could have been.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Catholic Church was portrayed in Conclave. Did it feel like a fair representation? What role do you think it has in today's world?
Since the Pope has historically always been a male position, the film features a predominantly male cast, with few significant female roles. Do you think this was understandable given the narrative, or could there have been a greater female presence in the film? Why representation matters in kids' media.
What were the motivations of some of the cardinals? Were they all well-intentioned?
There were several twists and turns in the movie. Did they all work for you? Why, or why not?
How was smoking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? Why does that matter? What are some of the real-life dangers of smoking?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 25, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : December 13, 2024
- Cast : Ralph Fiennes , Stanley Tucci , John Lithgow
- Director : Edward Berger
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and smoking
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : January 31, 2026
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