Megyn Kelly has launched a scathing attack on the critically acclaimed film *Conclave*, calling it “the most disgusting anti-Catholic film” she’s seen. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kelly criticized the film’s plot twist revealing the newly elected Pope to be intersex, stating that the movie’s portrayal is a shameful act of mockery towards Catholics. She specifically condemned the actors—Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow—and director Edward Berger for their involvement. Kelly further expressed outrage at the film’s release timing, just before Christmas, suggesting a double standard in Hollywood’s treatment of religious groups.
*Conclave*, a Focus Features production and a frontrunner for several awards including the Golden Globes (which took place on Sunday) and the upcoming Academy Awards, is based on Robert Harris’ novel. The film dramatizes the political maneuvering within the Vatican during a papal conclave, with Fiennes portraying a cardinal tasked with overseeing the process. However, the film’s depiction of the new Pope as intersex has generated significant online controversy. Many viewers have criticized the plot point as jarring, illogical, and a gratuitous attempt to appeal to contemporary social sensibilities.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding representation and its potential to spark religious sensitivities within the context of mainstream filmmaking. While *Conclave* has garnered significant critical acclaim and award nominations, Kelly’s strong condemnation underscores the potential for even award-winning films to provoke significant backlash and controversy.