'Conclave' now streaming on Peacock

Sometimes films can come out of nowhere and surprise you. They can stick with you long after you see them and become a favorite. That’s the case for me with Conclave, a drama that hit theaters in late October.

The film has since been nominated for several awards and is a contender for the Oscars. If you missed it in theaters, you’re in luck as it’s available to stream at home this holiday season. Conclave is now streaming on Peacock.

The film comes from Edward Berger, who delivered the Netflix re-make of All Quiet on the Western Front. That film won four Oscars, including Best International Feature. It also earned nominations and wins for its production and style. While it’s a difficult story, I was taken with the look, the feel, and the craft in its production.

Berger applies that same effort to Conclave, another pensive film that takes place during a tense few days as the leadership of the Catholic Church gathers to select a new leader. The film is based on the novel from Robert Harris, with a script from Peter Straughn. It begins with the death of the Pope, setting the story into motion.

The Dean of the Church, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), is tasked with setting up a conclave. A short time later, Cardinals from throughout the world gather. The group is sequestered to choose a new leader, but it becomes a tense process. The group encounters unexpected members, unexpected uprisings outside the walls of the church, and unexpected conflicts between members. Through it all, Lawrence tries to keep the group on track and discern God’s will as they seek to find a new pope.

This is the kind of film that will likely have a specific appeal when it comes to the story. I’ve always been drawn to films about faith, and there is plenty to chew on in this rich narrative. But, in addition to that, I was taken with the craft that went into making the film.

The look here is incredible. The production design, cinematography, and costumes all help build the world and add to the tension. I greatly enjoyed the score here, too, which helps add tension and drama to a story that often comes down to men—and an occasional woman—talking in rooms. Berger does a wonderful job bringing it all to life and getting the most out of the tension in this story.

The cast here is great, too. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, among others. But it’s Fiennes that ties it all together. He’s a great actor and I really appreciate his performance in this role.

Conclave was a stirring and engaging drama that stands out to me as one of the year’s best. If you’re looking for something deeper this holiday season, check it out on Peacock!