If you’re interested in the events that unfold following the passing of a pope, the acclaimed film Conclave is a must-see, now streaming for audiences to enjoy. Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for over a decade before his death on April 21, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in global affairs. While there is a plethora of information available about the papal succession process, experiencing this story through cinema adds a unique dimension to the narrative. The Oscar-nominated film released in 2024 is certainly worth your time.
Conclave: A Dramatic Portrayal of the Papal Transition
Premiering in theaters on October 25, 2024, Conclave exceeded expectations, pulling in over $116 million at the box office against a budget of just $20 million. Its success continued with a prestigious Oscar nomination for Best Picture at the March award ceremony. The film features a stellar cast, including renowned actors Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow, and is directed by Edward Berger, the acclaimed filmmaker behind All Quiet on the Western Front.
Now Available for Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Critics and audiences have celebrated Conclave, which secured the Best Adapted Screenplay award at the 2025 Oscars, for its artistic merit and emotional depth. This film will be available on Amazon Prime Video starting at 12:00 AM on April 22, 2025, providing subscribers the opportunity to view it at no additional cost. Initially released exclusively in theaters in Fall 2024, it is now making its debut on Video on Demand (VOD) services.
For those in the Eastern Time Zone, the film becomes accessible at midnight. If you’re planning to watch it right at launch, ensure you convert 12 AM ET to your local time—this translates to 9 PM Pacific Time and 5 AM Greenwich Mean Time. With an impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and an audience score of 86%, it’s clear that viewers have responded positively to this captivating film.
Understanding the Papal Process Through Cinema
Fictional Yet Respectably Accurate Representation
Though Conclave centers on fictional characters and scenarios, it offers a commendably accurate depiction of the papal election process. The film delivers not just stunning visuals and exquisite production design but also insightful performances that bring the story to life. Unlike many dramatizations that veer away from factual accuracy, Conclave does a remarkable job of portraying the events that take place in the Vatican after the death of a pope. It serves as an engaging educational piece for anyone curious about the inner workings of the Catholic Church during such a historic time.