Prime Video just added the Oscar-winning thriller Conclave — and it’s more timely than ever
Conclave is the kind of movie that sneaks up on you, quiet at first, but unforgettable once it grabs hold. Now streaming on Prime Video, this Oscar-winning thriller has just joined the platform’s lineup, and it couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time.
Directed by Edward Berger, the filmmaker behind All Quiet on the Western Front, Conclave brings suspense, mystery, and political intrigue to one of the most secretive ceremonies in the world, the selection of a new pope.
At the center of the story is Cardinal Lawrence, played with sharp focus by Ralph Fiennes. When the pope dies unexpectedly, the Church’s most powerful figures gather inside the Vatican to begin the sacred and highly secretive voting process. But behind the locked doors, something sinister is brewing. As the tension builds, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, and a secret so massive, it threatens the very core of the Catholic Church.
What is Conclave about?
The film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes), a respected figure in the Church, who is tasked with managing the conclave, the secretive gathering where cardinals choose the next pope. As the doors close and the ballots begin, whispers of a hidden agenda start to surface.
Lawrence must navigate shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals. With each round of voting, he gets closer to a truth that could change everything. The real twist? A revelation that not only challenges his beliefs but could shake the foundation of the Church itself.
A powerhouse cast makes Conclave a must-watch
Ralph Fiennes is no stranger to high-stakes roles, and here, he’s perfectly cast as a man torn between duty and truth. He brings a quiet strength and moral complexity to the role of Lawrence. He’s joined by Stanley Tucci, who delivers a smooth but sharp performance as a politically savvy cardinal with his own secrets, and John Lithgow, who adds gravitas as one of the elder voices in the conclave.
Together, this cast creates a sense of tension that never lets go. Every glance, every whispered word feels loaded with meaning, and potential danger.
A rare thriller that blends politics, faith, and suspense
Unlike your typical political thriller, Conclave doesn’t rely on car chases or explosions. Instead, it builds its suspense through power plays, secrets, and the claustrophobic setting of the Vatican. It’s a slow burn, but in the best way possible. With sharp writing from Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and based on Robert Harris’s bestselling novel, the film offers just the right mix of fictional drama and real-world relevance.
Why Conclave stands out on Prime Video
Prime Video’s current top 10 has its fair share of light thrillers and forgettable action flicks, but Conclave is something else entirely, smart, suspenseful, and deeply relevant. At a time when institutions everywhere are under scrutiny, this story feels especially timely.
If you’re in the mood for a grounded, cerebral thriller with Oscar-worthy performances and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, Conclave should be at the top of your watchlist.
With strong direction, a powerful script, and a top-tier cast, Conclave proves that sometimes the quietest rooms hide the loudest secrets.