SPOILER ALERT: This text accommodates main plot particulars from the finale of Edward Berger’s “Conclave.”
Megyn Kelly took to X to criticize Edward Berger’s “Conclave” as a “disgusting anti-Catholic movie.” The acclaimed drama stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal who uncovers secrets and techniques and scandals on the Vatican whereas organizing a papal conclave to elect the subsequent pope. The movie premiered eventually yr’s Telluride Movie Pageant and has emerged as a surefire Oscar contender this awards season.
“Simply made the massive mistake of watching the much-celebrated ‘Conclave’ and it’s the most disgusting anti-Catholic movie I’ve seen in a very long time,” Kelly wrote to her 3.4 million X followers. “Disgrace on Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci & John Lithgow for starring in it & disgrace on director Edward Berger (amongst others).”
Kelly took explicit offense to the movie’s twist ending, wherein the newly elected pope, Vincent Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), reveals he’s intersex. Fiennes’ character agrees to maintain the information a secret as his election is made public.
“They make THE POPE INTERSEX! That is the massive thrilling twist on the finish. I want I had identified so I wouldn’t have watched it,” Kelly wrote in her publish. “There are nearly no redeeming characters within the film – each cardinal is morally bankrupt/repulsive. The one exception in fact is the intersex pope (who – shock! – has feminine reproductive components) & the cardinal who retains her secret – bc in fact that form of Catholic secret-keeping have to be lionized. I’m disgusted. What a factor to launch to streaming simply in time for Christmas. They’d by no means do that to Muslims, however Christians/Catholics are at all times honest sport to mock/belittle/smear.”
Fiennes is joined in “Conclave” by Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini. Kelly shared her criticism on X a number of hours earlier than the 2025 Golden Globes, the place “Conclave” is nominated for six awards, together with greatest movement image drama, greatest director and greatest actor for Fiennes. The movie additionally tied “Depraved” to steer the 2025 Critic’s Selection Awards with 11 nominations.
Whereas Kelly disliked the movie, Selection movie critic Peter Debruge praised “Conclave” in his evaluate for having “one of the satisfying twists in years, a Hail Mary that each surprises and restores one’s religion (possibly not everybody’s, however definitely that of the disillusioned).” He additionally lauded Fiennes’ “quietly conflicted efficiency” as his character undergoes an inside battle between devotion and doubt.
“Conclave” is now enjoying in theaters and obtainable to stream on Peacock.