Megyn Kelly took to social media to voice her outspoken criticism of the Golden Globe-nominated film Conclave, labeling it as "the most disgusting anti-Catholic film" she has seen in a long time. The film, which has garnered significant acclaim with a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, tells the story of religious leaders who attempt to select the new pope, all thewhile confronting corrupt secrets within the Roman Catholic Church.
Directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris's popular 2016 novel, Conclave has secured six nominations for the Golden Globes, including categories such as Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Director. Amidst this buzz, Kelly expressed her discontent just hours before the Golden Globes aired, stirring attention from her 3.4 million followers on X.
“Just made the huge mistake of watching the much-celebrated Conclave & it is the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time,” Kelly remarked. She did not hold back, directing her ire at prominent actors Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, as well as the director, Edward Berger. Kelly echoed her sentiments about the characters, noting, “There are almost no redeeming characters in the movie – every cardinal is morally bankrupt/repulsive.”
What particularly irked her was the film's plot twist wherein the newly elected Pope, Vincent Cardinal Benitez, revealed his intersex identity. Kelly emphasized this moment, stating, “Spoiler: They make THE POPE INTERSEX! This is the big exciting twist at the end. I wish I had known so I wouldn’t have watched it.” Such revelations sparked debates, raising concerns about how Christians and Catholics are often portrayed by Hollywood.
Kelly's critique didn't stop at the characters. She lamented, “I’m disgusted. What a thing to release to streaming just in time for Christmas. They would never do this to Muslims, but Christians/Catholics are always fair game to mock/belittle/smear.” Her comments have sparked diverse reactions from audiences. Some echoed her sentiments, noting similar frustrations, especially amid the current cultural climate, where expressions concerning religious views often tread on sensitive ground.
Fans of Kelly expressed agreement, with one user reflecting, “Try being Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ). It’s a double whammy: Christian which a lot of other Christians make fun of. We get it from both sides.” While other users took the opportunity to challenge Kelly's perspective, voicing harsh criticisms of the Vatican and Pope's actions, insisting, “They don’t represent Christ. Huge difference between being Christian and what they are doing in the Vatican.”
While Kelly's critiques stirred significant discussion, it’s important to note the film’s success and favorable reviews from various critics. Peter Debruge from Variety lauded Conclave for containing “one of the most satisfying twists in years, a Hail Mary” moment, praising Fiennes' multifaceted performance as he grapples with his moral quandaries.
Despite Kelly’s vehement criticisms, the film is undoubtedly making its mark this awards season. With 11 nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, equally tying with the acclaimed film Wicked, Conclave appears to be hitting all the right notes for critics and audiences alike. Nevertheless, Kelly's perspective emphasizes the tension between artistic expression and faith, illustrating how films tackling religious themes can inevitably lead to polarized views.
Now available for streaming on platforms like Peacock, Conclave continues to spark conversation among viewers. Whether one agrees with Kelly's stance or not, the dialogue surrounding the film raises pertinent questions about representation, respect, and the boundaries of storytelling within the cultural sphere.