'Conclave' Sees Box Office and Streaming Surge Following Pope Francis's Passing

Fifth at the Box Office... Number of Screens Increases
Ranks First on Amazon in Six Countries, Including the US and UK

Still photo from the movie 'Conclave'. NK Contents

Following the passing of Pope Francis, films centered on the papacy such as 'Conclave' and 'The Two Popes' are once again drawing attention.

According to the integrated box office database of the Korean Film Council on April 23, the film 'Conclave' (directed by Edward Berger) attracted 1,507 viewers the previous day, ranking fifth at the box office. Its cumulative audience has reached 277,223.

'Conclave' depicts the story that unfolds as the secret conclave of cardinals begins after the unexpected death of the pope, with the elderly Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) presiding over the proceedings. The film vividly portrays the process of the conclave. It has been recognized for its cinematic quality, winning the 97th Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and the 82nd Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay, among others.

The film had dropped out of the top rankings, falling to 12th place at the box office on April 20, the day before the pope's passing, but rebounded to seventh place following the event. The number of screens showing the film also increased. On April 21, it was screened in 82 theaters, but the next day, it was shown in 89 theaters.

The distributor announced that from April 23 to April 27, special screenings will be held at select theaters in Seoul, Daegu, and Busan, where attendees will receive a poster as a gift.

Interest is also high for home viewing. According to the global streaming chart FlixPatrol on April 23, 'Conclave,' now available on Amazon after its theatrical run, has soared to first place. It has topped the charts in six countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, and ranked first on iTunes in 35 countries.

In addition, the 2019 Netflix film 'The Two Popes' is also climbing in the rankings as its search volume on Netflix increases. 'The Two Popes' depicts the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI, who shook the Vatican with his voluntary resignation, and his successor Pope Francis, highlighting Pope Francis's humanitarianism and his solidarity with the poor and powerless.