‘Conclave’ Trailer: Ralph Fiennes Is a Cardinal at the Center of a Papal Conspiracy in Edward Berger’s New Thriller

Focus Features has released the trailer for its upcoming thriller “Conclave,” starring Stanley Tucci, Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini.

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Adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, the film is set against the backdrop of the seat of the Catholic Church in the Vatican. Spanning a few days, the story follows the unexpected death of the Pope and the efforts to select a new one.

Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with running this centuries-old process. The logline for the film says, “Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.”

Tucci plays the progressive Cardinal Bellini aiming to secure the papacy but he faces stiff competition from John Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay. Rossellini plays Sister Agnes whose role in the papal election is vital.

Sergio Castellitto (Cardinal Tedesco), Lucian Msamati (Cardinal Adeyemi), Brian F. O’Byrne (O’Malley), and Carlos Diehz round up the supporting cast.

In the trailer, Cardinal Lawrence admits the grand task of leading the Cardinals is “a duty I never thought I’d have to perform.” The stage is set for as the Cardinals make their case. As Cardinal Lawrence stresses it’s not a war, Bellini sternly reminds him, “It is a war, and you have to commit to a side.”

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Cue the drama, ambition and conspiracies being uncovered as Cardinal Lawrence must make a decision.

Edward Berger who won the best international feature Oscar in 2023 for “All Quiet on the Western Front” helms the film with a screenplay by Peter Straughan (“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”). Composer Volker Bertelmann reunites with Berger to score the film. Stéphane Fontaine (“A Prophet,”) serves as the film’s cinematographer and “Saltburn’s” Suzie Davies is the production designer.

Focus Features will release “Conclave” in limited release on Nov. 1 and wide on Nov. 8. The film is also expected to be screened during the Fall film festivals.

Watch the trailer below.

Edward Berger's 'Conclave,' Starring Ralph Fiennes and John Lithgow, Acquired by Focus Features For U.S.