2024 has been a challenging year for indie films at the box office, but a few standouts have defied expectations. Among them, Longlegs, a low-budget horror film starring Nicolas Cage, has been a viral sensation, grossing nearly $127 million worldwide. Meanwhile, The Substance earned critical acclaim and modest commercial success in the same genre. As awards season approaches, several indie titles are emerging as strong contenders, including the critically celebrated Anora, a frontrunner for Best Picture, the historical epic The Brutalist, and Nickel Boys. However, one film quietly gaining momentum both critically and commercially is Edward Berger’s Conclave.
After a respectable run in theaters, grossing $34.7 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, Conclave has found renewed success on VOD platforms. Directed by Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, the thriller stars Ralph Fiennes as Lawrence, a Vatican Cardinal who uncovers a shocking conspiracy after the Pope’s death. Critics have praised Conclave for its intelligent, unexpected thrills and Fiennes’ commanding performance, earning the film a 93% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Though the audience score sits slightly lower at 85%, it still reflects widespread enthusiasm for the film’s gripping narrative and atmospheric setting.
With its newfound popularity in home-viewing markets, Conclave is generating serious Oscars buzz. Fiennes is a strong contender for Best Actor, with Isabella Rossellini receiving attention for Best Supporting Actress. Peter Straughan, who penned the screenplay, is considered a frontrunner for Best Adapted Screenplay, a category he may well win. The ensemble cast, which includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Lucian Msamati, has also received praise for elevating the film’s emotional and narrative stakes. While Conclave may not win Best Picture, its growing momentum in the lead-up to the 2025 Oscars makes it one of the year’s most compelling indie success stories.