In a highly unusual turn of events this past weekend, three films geared towards adult audiences exceeded expectations at the box office. While directorSean Baker’s Cannes-winningAnorafollowed up its record-breaking debut with a massive performance in just 34 theaters, the romantic dramaWe Live in Timesecured a spot in the top five on the strength ofAndrew GarfieldandFlorence Pugh’s star power. But perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was the drama-thrillerConclave. Directed byEdward Bergerand starringRalph Fiennesin the central role of a cardinal tasked with carrying out a tense papal conclave, the movie continued to attract audiences into its first week of release, and is nownearing its first domestic box office milestone.
Having passed the $9 million mark, the movie will enter its second weekend with around $10 million in the bank, even though it’s still only playing in around 1,700 domestic locations — for context,Venom: The Last Danceis playing on over 4,100 screens. With exceptional reviews,Conclaveisa hot favorite in several categories at next year’s Oscars. The movie is currently sitting at a “fresh” 92% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, having also earned a solid B+ CinemaScore. This bodes well for its future, as it expands its reach during the awards season.
In his review, Collider’sJason Gorberdescribed the film as “tonally perfect,” and wrote that it “plays out with the intensity of a political thriller.” Based on the novel byRobert Harris, whose books have previously been adapted into films such asThe Ghost WriterandMunich — The Edge of War,Conclavealso stars legends such asStanley Tucci,John Lithgow, andIsabella Rossellini.Conclavepremiered at this year’s Telluride Film Festival, and is being distributed across the United States by Focus Features.
Can ‘Conclave’ Continue this Momentum Till Oscars Voting Begins?
Berger broke out a couple of years ago with his acclaimed Netflix anti-war dramaAll Quiet on the Western Front. The film earned nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and ended up winning four honors. It also earned a leading 14 nominations at the BAFTAs, winning seven, including Best Film. On television, Berger has helmed episodes ofThe Terror,Patrick Melrose, andYour Honor. He already has his next film lined up; it’s titledThe Ballad of a Small Player, and starsColin FarrellandTilda Swinton. you may watchConclavein theaters, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Following the unexpected death of the pope, Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with overseeing the secretive conclave to elect the next pope. As the process unfolds, he uncovers a conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of the Catholic Church.
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