The papal election drama might have been the talk of the town as it swept through awards season, but following the death of Pope Francis, its themes are surging back to hot topic status quicker than ever. That is to say, if you’ve found yourself Googling where to watch Conclave in Australia, you’re not alone.
The political thriller, based on Robert Harris’ bestselling novel, has officially entered the cultural zeitgeist – not least because it feels eerily prescient.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88, attention has returned to Conclave, a gripping fictional account of what happens behind Vatican walls when the Pope dies and the College of Cardinals must elect his successor. Timely? Undoubtedly. Fascinating? Absolutely. And with an all-star cast led by Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow and the inimitable, Stanley Tucci, the buzz is more than justified.
Here’s everything to know about the acclaimed film, including where to watch it in Australia, ahead of the real life Conclave about the begin.
What Is Conclave About?
Directed by Edward Berger (yes, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind All Quiet On The Western Front), Conclave follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes), Dean of The College of Cardinals, as he’s tasked with overseeing the papal election after the death of the Pope. But as secrets surface and loyalties shift, what begins as a religious rite soon becomes a high-stakes game of political chess. Think House of Cards meets The Two Popes – only with a lot more red velvet, scheming and Latin.
Why Is Everyone Suddenly Interested In It?
They say timing is everything, and in the case of this particular film, it couldn’t be more relevant. With the real life Vatican preparing to enter a papal conclave following the passing of Pope Francis, investment in what actually goes on inside those ancient marble halls has skyrocketed.
A secretive process largely kept within the confines of the Church’s teachings, the public’s understanding – or even care – for the tradition has, up until now, remained a rather niche point of intrigue. But as the news broke on Easter Sunday, it became clear that our collective interest was officially piqued.
After all, while Conclave is fictional, the book it’s based on is rooted in deep research and tantalisingly close to the bone. The film doesn’t just explore the religious ritual – it probes the power struggles, personal ambitions and moral contradictions at the heart of the Church. It’s a Succession-style drama with a conscience (or is it?) and it couldn’t feel more current.
Where To Watch Conclave, Australia
Props to whoever was in charge of the licencing deal for Conclave’s streaming distribution, because the film will be available to stream on Prime Video from April 22.
If you’re not a Prime member, you can also rent, or buy, the award-winning movie on Apple+, and YouTube, now.
Is Conclave Based On A True Story?
Yes, and no. While its characters and plot are fictional, it is inspired by the enduring tradition at the heart of the Catholic church.
The novel and film are both grounded in the very legitimate (and secretive) rituals of the Vatican conclave, where cardinals from around the world gather in total seclusion to elect a new Pope. Phones are confiscated, smoke signals are sent skyward, and political machinations abound. If you’ve ever wondered how religion and power intersect at the highest level, this film pulls back the curtain (and then sets it on fire).
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