'Conclave' trailer promises political shenanigans at the Vatican

Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini are at war.
 By 
Shannon Connellan
 on 
Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in the film "Conclave."
Watch Next

The secretive and suspenseful selection of a new pope lies at the core of Conclave, director Edward Berger's thriller set amid the halls of the Vatican.

Based on Robert Harris' 2016 novel, the film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow as warring cardinals as well as Isabella Rossellini as an outspoken nun. As the trailer dropped today indicates, there's deep political complexity involved in this coveted seat.

Mashable's Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, praised the film in her TIFF review as a "sophisticated and sharply enthralling thriller," writing, "This is a movie that understands the complications of Catholicism, where reason collides with belief and human nature with divinity."

Conclave opens in select cinemas Nov. 1.

Topics Trailers

A photo portrait of a journalist with blonde hair and a band t-shirt.
Shannon Connellan
UK Editor

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror.


Latest Videos

Stephen Colbert reacts to the Artemis II moon mission
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, gesturing.


'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom
Desi Lydic presents "The Daily Show" beside an image of Donald Trump.


A24's 'Mother Mary' trailer is worth it for the FKA twigs track
Anne Hathway is dressed in a red pop star outfit with religious overtones in a film still from "Mother Mary."

Jon Stewart has a brutal reaction to Trump waffling about pens
A man in a suit sitting behind a talk show desk looks angry. In the top left is an image of the president holding up a pen.

Stephen Colbert gleefully recaps the best signs at the 'No Kings' protest
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, smiling. The caption at the bottom reads, "I like that one."

Riz Ahmed is troublingly intense in new 'SNL UK' promo
A close-up of a man grinning in a slightly creepy way.


The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!