Amazon Prime adds near 'perfect dramatic thriller' that is more relevant than ever

Amazon Prime has just added a 'masterfully crafted thriller' to its roster, that some may feel is a more relevant watch considering real events.

The film, Conclave, which only hit the big screen last year, is now up for grabs on the retail behemoth's streaming service. It's a freebie for Prime subscribers and its arrival couldn't be more timely.

The plot centres around Cardinal Lawrence, who finds himself embroiled in one of the world's most clandestine and age-old rituals - the election of a new pope. As he navigates the hallowed halls of the Vatican, rubbing shoulders with influential religious figures, he stumbles upon a web of profound secrets that could rock the Roman Catholic Church to its core.

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Ralph Fiennes leads the star-studded cast as Lawrence, sharing the screen with the likes of Stanley Tucci, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini. American actor John Lithgow, recently announced as Dumbledore in the forthcoming TV series, also features.

Edward Berger helmed the project, with Peter Straughan penning the screenplay based on Robert Harris's 2016 novel of the same title. Straughan bagged an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, also scooping a BAFTA in the same category, and expressed his gratitude to Harris for letting him adapt his novel into Mean Girls, reports .

The film Conclave, although entirely a work of fiction, has gained new resonance following the recent passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, aged 88. With the real-life Conclave set to choose his replacement opening on May 7, moviegoers might find the film's portrayal of Vatican intrigue more timely than ever.

The flick has been a hit with critics, nabbing a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Film buffs looking for an imaginative peek into secretive papal proceedings – some artistic freedom notwithstanding – will appreciate this critical darling.

One impressed critic remarked: "Goes very close to being the perfect dramatic thriller. Conclave is proof that with a good screenplay made up of intense dialogue you don't need action or scares to generate suspense. Also contains some of the finest acting performances of this generation."

Another chimed in, saying: "Conclave is fashioned like a murder-mystery, with plenty of mystery but the murder replaced by a string of character assassinations."

Viewers have also embraced the movie with considerable enthusiasm, with some suggesting it deserved greater award recognition. A thrilled fan shared their perspective online, stating: "The best film of 2024. Sure to garner tons of Oscar nods for cinematography-which it should win-acting for Ralph Fiennes, who is INCREDIBLE in every scene, film of the year, and director."

Another cinema-goer jumped on the bandwagon, sharing their thoughts: "Great movie and great thriller! It should have won best picture over Anora."

Yet another offered their glowing review, stating: "Conclave is a masterfully crafted thriller that delves into the clandestine world of the Vatican, offering viewers a gripping portrayal of the papal election process."

Conclave is streaming on Amazon Prime.