150 Word Review: 'The Two Popes' (2020)
Double trouble
I wanted The Two Popes to be a theological Batman v Superman, where punches are replaced with quotes from Scripture. But it is not. It’s too serene for any real conflict.
Instead, it is a cerebral two-hander about the unlikely friendship between conservative Pope Benedict and his progressive successor, Francis. The dialogue is witty and snappy. And, of course, there are the performances: Anthony Hopkins is isolated but formidable, and as Jorge Bergoglio, who will take the name Francis when he becomes Pope, Jonathan Pryce is charismatic and wise—two old pros wearing splendid costumes.
Most of the plot revolves around Benedict's desire to pass the papal torch to his one-time rival Borgolio, who repeatedly refuses the offer. Popes are the closest thing we get to wizards, but they're just fancy bureaucrats. Fernando Meirelles directs The Two Popes with reverence. The movie briefly dwells on the church's sexual abuse crimes. Briefly.
More Pope-y Fun: (Conclave) ‘2024’
