Megyn Kelly’s Scathing Critique of “Conclave” Ignites Controversy
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly launched a scathing attack on Edward Berger’s acclaimed film “Conclave,” calling it a “disgusting anti-Catholic film” in a post on X. Her criticism, directed at the film’s stars—Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow—and director Edward Berger, followed her viewing of the movie, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and is a prominent awards season contender, garnering six Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor for Fiennes. It also secured eleven nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Kelly’s primary objection centers on the film’s twist ending, revealing the newly elected Pope, Vincent Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), to be intersex. She expressed outrage at this revelation, stating, “They make THE POPE INTERSEX! This is the big exciting twist at the end.” She further criticized the film’s portrayal of the cardinals as morally bankrupt, with the exception of the intersex Pope and the cardinal who keeps his secret, a portrayal Kelly viewed as biased and exploitative of Catholic beliefs. She concluded her post by suggesting a double standard exists in Hollywood’s treatment of religious groups, alleging that such a depiction would never be tolerated if aimed at Islam.
Conversely, Variety film critic Peter Debruge lauded “Conclave,” praising its “satisfying twist” and Fiennes’ “quietly conflicted performance.” Debruge described the ending as a “Hail Mary” that, while potentially controversial, ultimately restores faith for some viewers. This stark contrast in opinion highlights the divisive nature of the film’s narrative and its potential to spark debate about religious representation in cinema.
“Conclave,” starring Fiennes, Tucci, Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini, is currently showing in theaters and streaming on Peacock.