Is The Conclave Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Conclave is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Conclave Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2007, The Conclave emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1458, five years after the fall of Constantinople to the Turk, eighteen cardinals meet to elect a new pope. Unlike standard genre fare, The Conclave attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Conclave features a noteworthy lineup led by Brian Blessed . Supported by the likes of James Faulkner and Rolf Kanies , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Conclave (2007) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Conclave Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Conclave is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Conclave Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Conclave attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Conclave reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Conclave Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Conclave draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Conclave adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Conclave?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Conclave Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Conclave Budget
The estimated production budget for The Conclave is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Conclave
- Brian Blessed – Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomin
- James Faulkner – Cardinal Guillaume D'Estouteville
- Rolf Kanies – Cardinal Bessarion
- Manu Fullola – Rodrigo Borgia
- Dominic Boeer – Orsinis Ritter
Top Highlights
Brian BlessedAeneas Sylvius Piccolomin
James FaulknerCardinal Guillaume D'Estouteville
Rolf KaniesCardinal Bessarion
Manu FullolaRodrigo Borgia
Dominic BoeerOrsinis Ritter
Nora TschirnerVanozza
Holger KunkelCardinal Alain D'Avignon
Nicholas IronsProspero Colonna
Brian DowneyCardinal Juan De Mella
Lolo HerreroPedro Luis Borgia
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Conclave has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Conclave stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2007 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Conclave movie hit or flop?
The Conclave has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Conclave worth watching?
The Conclave is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Conclave online?
The Conclave may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Conclave Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Conclave
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
