In a heated backlash, Megyn Kelly has lashed out against Edward Berger’s latest film, “Conclave,” labeling it as an “insulting anti-Catholic film” on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The drama film features Ralph Fiennes in the role of a cardinal who grapples with dark secrets and scandals while overseeing a papal conclave to select the next pope. Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival last year, "Conclave" has gained notable attention and is considered a front-runner for the Oscars this awards season.

Kelly expressed her outrage to her 3.4 million followers, stating, “I just made the huge mistake of watching the much-lauded ‘Conclave,’ and it is the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time. Shame on Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci & John Lithgow for their involvement, and shame on director Edward Berger.”

One particular element of the film that seemed to offend Kelly the most was its controversial twist ending. The newly elected pope, portrayed by Carlos Diehz as Vincent Cardinal Benitez, reveals he is intersex, prompting Fiennes’ character to agree to keep it a secret. Kelly's commentary on the film’s dramatic pivot pointed to her disbelief: "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."

With the film depicting a slew of morally questionable cardinals, Kelly noted the lack of redeeming characters, stating that the only exceptions were the intersex pope and the cardinal who hides her secret. She decried the timing of the film's release, noting its proximity to Christmas and lamented the treatment of Christian and Catholic themes in media as a form of ridicule. "They would never do this to Muslims, but Christians and Catholics are always fair game to mock/belittle/smear,” she declared.

“Conclave” not only features Fiennes, but also boasts a star-studded cast that includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini. Kelly’s critic on X came just hours before the 2025 Golden Globes, where “Conclave” is nominated for six awards, including Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Actor for Fiennes. The film has also tied with “Wicked” for the lead at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards, both receiving 11 nominations.

On the flip side, Variety film critic Peter Debruge praised “Conclave” for what he described as “one of the most satisfying twists in years,” positing that the film’s revelations can provoke thought and perhaps restore faith even for those who are disillusioned. Debruge also commended Fiennes’ “quietly conflicted performance” as his character struggles with his principles in the face of intrigue and sin.

Now available in theaters and on Peacock, “Conclave” has ignited a fierce debate about representations of faith and morality in contemporary cinema, particularly among those who feel that such portrayals skewer religious groups. Will this film change the landscape of how faith is depicted in Hollywood? Only time will tell!