Here’s why Ralph Fiennes’ film Conclave has seen a 283% spike in viewership after Pope Francis’ death. But you can’t watch it at home in India yet

Also read: When I met Pope Francis, he spoke of his great respect for India

So what’s the big deal with Conclave?

Contrary to what people think, that the film might give a hint of who the successor will be after Pope Francis died early Monday, the day after Easter, at age 88 due to complications from a stroke, the film actually explores the rarely-seen world of the Vatican’s secretive process for selecting a new Pope, also known as the conclave. It’s a fictional story, sure, but its timing, relevance, and the brilliant performances hit a nerve, especially with audiences now thinking about the real-life election that’s about to happen.

Also read: Pope Francis’ tryst with movies: The first pontiff to star in a film; a documentary with Wim Wenders; meetings with Martin Scorsese, Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio

Though the film mostly went unnoticed by the world at the time, it did grab the attention of the Academy Awards after picking up major Oscar nods, including Best Picture, and even winning Best Adapted Screenplay. But this new surge in viewership proves one thing: audiences want context. They want to understand what happens behind the scenes when the Catholic Church loses its spiritual leader.

Variety reports how the actors were constantly asked about the Pope’s health, since he had been struggling with health issues since last year and was hospitalised for a long time. Actor Sergio Castellitto, who also stars in Conclave, said during awards season, “To live just a few yards away from the Pope in Rome means we feel his presence much closer than most. When a helicopter leaves, we think, ‘Is the Pope flying out?’” Actress Isabella Rossellini even added during the same period: “First of all, we would like to wish Pope Francis a quick recovery.”

Conclave is streaming on OTT

The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video in most countries. However, the free access is no longer available as it now gives the option to either rent or purchase. Originally, the 2024 movie streamed on Peacock but has since moved to Prime because of Universal’s deal. Alternatively, it’s up for rent or for purchase on platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango At Home. However, in India, the film is not streaming on any major online platforms. You can still catch the movie via BookMyShow and watch it in cinemas—if you’re really eager to see it.

And, while we are at it, it’s not just Conclave getting attention. Netflix’s The Two Popes, released in 2019, is a drama featuring Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis and Anthony Hopkins as Pope  Benedict also saw its viewership climb dramatically. It jumped 417% in a single day, with more than 1.5 million minutes watched on April 21 alone. In real life, the new papal election will begin somewhere between May 6 and May 12, as Church tradition requires at least 15 days of mourning before a new conclave starts. The election process will see 120 cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the Sistine Chapel will vote in secret, multiple times a day, until a majority is reached to elect the next spiritual leader of the world’s largest Christian denomination.