The Two Popes (2019)
Film details
Drama · History · Fernando Meirelles · 2h 6min
Synopsis
Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.
Verdict
Intimate and respectful dialogue about two visions of the papacy and the Church.
In-depth analysis
The Two Popes is an exceptional historical drama that reconstructs the conversations between Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio in the context of the 2013 papal resignation. The film skillfully presents both perspectives — the defense of doctrinal orthodoxy and pastoral openness — without caricaturing either. Anthony McCarten's screenplay constructs a profound philosophical and theological dialogue, where differences are not resolved by imposition but by mutual recognition of the complexity of the papal ministry. Meirelles' direction alternates between the claustrophobic intimacy of the Vatican and biographical flashbacks that humanize both protagonists. Hopkins and Pryce deliver memorable performances that capture the tension between character and office, between the person and the role. The film bravely addresses the scandal of abuse and the internal crises of the Church, but does so from a desire for purification, not destruction. For Catholic families, it is an opportunity to see that the unity of the Church does not demand uniformity of sensibilities, and that the Spirit can speak through complementary perspectives. Recommended for mature adolescents and adults.