When the Pope unexpectedly dies, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), Dean of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with presiding over the conclave, the time-honoured and highly secretive process for electing his successor. From all over the world prospective Cardinals descend upon the Vatican where they are sequestered in isolation from all outside interference. The contest will come down to a battle between the reactionary Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), the progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), and the calculating Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow). Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), a nun exhausted from a lifetime in service to an all-male power structure, casts a baleful eye from the sidelines. The stakes grow higher as rumours circulate, secrets emerge, and acts of sabotage are undertaken. Edward Bergers’ enthralling adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel crackles with intrigue and suspense.

Notes by David O Mahony