In the coming days cardinals younger than 80 will assemble at the Vatican to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

The proceedings, veiled in secrecy, come months after a fictionalized papal election received the Hollywood treatment in Edward Berger’s drama “Conclave.” The film’s name comes from the secretive conference where Roman Catholic cardinals choose the next leader of the church.

The film, which hit the $115 million mark at the global box office, offers a glimpse inside a process that in real life takes place under strict security measures to ensure confidentiality. The movie was “quite accurate, save for a few things,” said Dr. Kurt Martens, a professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America.

“Conclave” has been widely celebrated, receiving top prizes at both the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the EE British Academy Film Awards, and winning the Academy Award for adapted screenplay.

Here’s what happens in the film (caution: minor spoilers ahead) and what papal experts say is accurate about it.

The film opens with the death of an unnamed fictional pope and follows the process and drama of a papal election.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.