You know that feeling when you walk out of a cinema and your brain is basically a scrambled mess of "Wait, did that actually just happen?" That’s the exact vibe of the Stanley Tucci new film, Conclave. It isn't just a movie about old guys in red robes talking about God in dusty rooms. It’s a high-stakes, political knife-fight that just happens to take place inside the Vatican. Honestly, it’s the kind of thriller that makes House of Cards look like a playground dispute.
If you haven't seen it yet, you've probably at least heard the buzz. It’s been dominating the conversation since its late 2024 release and through the 2025 awards circuit. Tucci plays Cardinal Bellini, a man who is essentially the "liberal hope" of a Church that is currently teetering on the edge of an identity crisis.
Why Conclave is the Stanley Tucci New Film You Need to See
The setup is pretty simple, but the execution is anything but. The Pope is dead. The College of Cardinals is locked behind closed doors—literally bolted in—to pick the next one. Tucci’s Bellini is the guy who doesn't actually want the job, which, as any student of history knows, usually makes him the best person for it. Or the most dangerous.
Tucci is spectacular here. He brings this weary, intellectual weight to the role. You can see it in the way he handles a cigarette or the slight slump in his shoulders. He isn't playing a saint; he’s playing a politician who wears a cross.
What makes this specific Stanley Tucci new film stand out is how it handles the "thriller" aspect. Usually, when we think of religious movies, we think of slow-moving dramas. Not this. Directed by Edward Berger (the guy behind All Quiet on the Western Front), the pacing is relentless. The strings in the soundtrack literally attack you. It’s claustrophobic. It’s sweaty. It’s brilliant.
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The Dynamics You'll Notice
Most people go into this expecting a dry history lesson. They're wrong. Here is what actually happens on screen:
- The Power Struggles: It’s not about who is holiest; it’s about who has the votes. John Lithgow plays a cardinal who is basically a master of the "whisper campaign." It’s brutal.
- The Modernity Clash: The film pits the "traditionalists"—guys who want to go back to the Latin Mass and 1950s values—against the "progressives" like Tucci’s Bellini.
- The Secret Files: There’s a subplot involving a secret cardinal from Kabul (played by Carlos Diehz) that changes everything. It’s the "wild card" entry that flips the board.
The cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine is also worth mentioning. He treats the Vatican like a character. The sea of red robes against the cold, grey marble of the Casa Santa Marta is visually arresting. It makes the whole thing feel like a chess match where the pieces are made of blood and bone.
What Most People Get Wrong About Tucci's Role
A common misconception is that Bellini is the "hero." He's more complicated than that. Tucci portrays him as someone deeply conflicted. He wants progress, but he’s also part of the machine. There’s a scene where he argues with Ralph Fiennes (who plays the lead, Cardinal Lawrence) that feels so real it’s almost uncomfortable. They aren't talking about scripture; they’re talking about power.
Is it "woke"? That’s the word some critics used because of the ending. But that’s a lazy take. The film is actually exploring the idea of "certainty" versus "doubt." As Bellini says in the film, "Doubt is the companion of faith." If you think you know exactly what God wants, you’re probably the most dangerous person in the room.
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Beyond the Vatican: What’s Next?
If you’ve already binged Conclave and you’re looking for the next Stanley Tucci new film, you won't have to wait long. 2025 and 2026 are massive years for him. He’s currently attached to The Electric State, a sci-fi epic where he plays Ethan Skate.
And then there's the big one. The one everyone is talking about in 2026: The Devil Wears Prada 2. He’s returning as Nigel. It’s been twenty years since the original, and seeing him back in that world is going to be a cultural moment.
But for now, Conclave remains the definitive "actor's showcase" for him. It’s rare to see a film that is this smart and this entertaining at the same time. It doesn't talk down to you. It assumes you can keep up with the Latin phrases and the complex voting procedures.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Watch
If you're planning to watch Conclave this weekend, here's how to get the most out of it. First, don't look up the ending. Seriously. The "twist" in the final minutes is something people are still arguing about on Reddit. It’s a genuine "drop the popcorn" moment.
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Second, pay attention to the sound design. The way the film uses silence is just as important as the dialogue. When the cardinals are voting, the sound of the pens on the paper sounds like a firing squad.
Lastly, look at the backgrounds. The production designer, Suzie Davies, recreated the Sistine Chapel because the Vatican obviously wouldn't let them film there. The detail is insane. You’d never know it was a set.
Go watch Conclave for the performances, but stay for the political intrigue. It’s easily the most gripping Stanley Tucci new film in a decade. It reminds us why he’s one of the few actors who can make a conversation about papal succession feel like a high-speed car chase.
Next Steps for Tucci Fans:
- Check out his new travel series Tucci in Italy on Disney+ if you want to see the "real" Stanley eating pasta.
- Pre-order his latest book What I Ate in One Year for a deeper look at his life behind the scenes.
- Keep an eye out for The Electric State trailers dropping later this year.